[Profile of active investigators involved in a clinical trial in general medical practice]

Abstract

Introduction: Depiscan was the pilot phase of a large trial to evaluate low dose computed tomography as a screening method for lung cancer (GranDepiscan). The goal of the study presented in this manuscript was to predict the activity of general practitioners (GPs) involved as investigators in a clinical trial.

Methods: A questionnaire about GP's socio-demographic characteristics, initial involvement and perception of difficulties was sent to 189 GPs volunteers after enrollment into the Depiscan trial was complete.

Results: Among the 97 respondents, 61 were active investigators. Age lower than 50 years and presence during the initiation visit were significantly associated with the participation of investigators. Two other factors at the limit of significance were: the status and the type of initiation visit. The following factors: gender, type of practice, membership of a medical society, parallel activity in the public sector and knowledge of the referring pulmonary oncologist were not associated with the level of recruitment, as well as the difficulties mentioned by the investigators.

Conclusions: These results will help for selection of investigators for future clinical trials in general medical practice, particularly for the GranDépiscan trial.