Eighty percent said they had enrolled a patient in a clinical study during the past three years. But actual patient enrollment was far from ideal. The oncologists stated that 20 percent of their patients were eligible for a clinical trial. They approached half of those patients about enrolling, and just half of those, or 5 percent of their patients, were actually enrolled. According to the ASCO survey, the big barriers for physicians relate to time, staff, and resources.
Clinical trials involve more intensive collection and filing of patient information and data.
In addition to the extra paperwork, sometimes staff may need additional training to complete necessary forms. Two-thirds of physicians also said eligibility criteria for patients are too restrictive. When asked what would help them enroll patients, oncologists gave high marks to reduced paperwork, assured reimbursement of patient care costs, and more data management help. Protected time to do research appeared important as well. Those with protected time were more than twice as likely to enroll more than 5 percent of their patients on trials.