Abstract
Background: The fraction of patients participating in clinical research studies has been relatively low and declined further in recent years, and many barriers are facing healthcare providers in conducting such studies. Our aim in this study is to identify common barriers facing our healthcare providers to conduct clinical trials in those patients in the MENA region.
Methods: A qualitative study was carried out between July 2014 and April 2015 where the semistructured survey was conducted using Survey Monkey software to all healthcare providers who work in seven different domain areas (physicians, pharmacists, nurses, clinical research associates, clinical research coordinators, auditors, and IRB members and data entry clerks).
Results: Of 329 responders from 7 specialties, the majority [183 (55.62%)] were males and 193 (58.66%) from Saudi Arabia. Physicians and pharmacists represent the majority [155 (47.11%) and 76 (23.10%)] of the total group, respectively, and the least were nurses and auditors [5 (1.52%) in each]. The highest rate barrier reported by physicians and pharmacists was inadequate training in clinical research implementation [76 (23.1%)], while clinical research coordinator reported the same barrier in 18 (5.5%). Clinical research associates reported a lack of incentive and credit for research work in 17 (5.2%). Reviewers reported a lack of leadership support and lack of financial grant support [5 (1.5%)] for both. The top reported strength points were having an opportunity for professional development [96 (29.2)] and being in an academic institution [97 (29.5)]. Of the total participants, 200 (60.79) of the participants suggested the need for more training on research methodology.
Conclusion: This study demonstrated the barriers that face healthcare providers in the MENA region. Because of the inadequate training in clinical research implementation and the lack of designed system operating procedures for the research process, we should address to facilitate clinical research in the region.