Patient and clinician views on comparative effectiveness research and engagement in research

Abstract

Aims: Describe and compare patient and primary care clinician attitudes about comparative effectiveness research (CER) and inclusion of patients and clinicians as partners in clinical research.

Materials & methods: Online survey of patients (n = 900) and primary care clinicians (n = 750) from opt-in survey panels.

Results: Nearly half (45%) of clinicians were not familiar with CER, but after reviewing a definition of CER, most (76%) agreed that it can improve patient care. Patients and clinicians indicated interest in engagement as research partners (66% and 55%, respectively). Lack of time was the most commonly endorsed barrier.

Conclusion: Attitudes toward CER and engagement in clinical research were generally favorable. Identified facilitators and barriers point to strategies for enhancing patient and clinician engagement in research.

Keywords: chronic conditions; comparative effectiveness research; engagement; primary care clinicians; rare condition; survey.