Factors Affecting Referrals from Primary Care Physicians to Clinical Research Trials.

The goal of this project was to reveal what factors affect the willingness of a primary care physician to refer patients to clinical research trials in the Fort Worth area. 50 physicians were contacted and provided with a survey consisting of 14 questions. There was a 26% return rate for the survey, and the participating physicians had an average of 25.15 years in practice. The idea of clinical research is considered to be essential and not a risk among primary care physicians. The biggest obstacle for referrals appears to be based upon the lack of information available to physicians; clinical investigators need to engage the physicians with up to date information regarding any clinical trials that are being conducted.