Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Indian Oncology Residents on Clinical Trials: An Observational Study

Abstract

Background and objectives: A limiting factor in cancer treatment and prevention has been an inadequate accrual of patients onto clinical trials this more so in India and developing countries may be because of majority of trials will be done as dissertation of an oncology fellow. Many oncology training institutions are not having training curriculum regarding clinical trial design and basic statistical training which are barriers for accrual of patient in trials. Therefore, we aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of oncology residents on clinical trials across the country to improve the curriculum methodology so that we can produce better data on clinical trials. Methods: A total 50 students were recruited across the country; students were interviewed either directly or through telephonic conversation. Minimum criteria to enroll in the study was to have at least 1 year of working knowledge in oncology institute (only senior residents were included).Verbal informed consent was obtained from all the study participants. Results: All residents participated in the study know that clinical research is imperative, however only 30 (60%) of them showed interest towards cancer clinical trials. Thirty (60%) of the participants depending on western data for their patient management.36 (73%) participants felt that they were not able to interpret the data given in clinical trials. Only 6 (11%) of the participants had access to all cancer related journals. Though 35 (70%) of the participants discuss published clinical trials every week, only 25 (50%) of the residents are changing their decision based on clinical trial data during their patient management. Conclusions: In our study it was found that the resident doctors felt that clinical research is imperative in delivering appropriate management in malignant diseases. However, they had displeasing knowledge on health research. They have positive attitude towards cancer research, but they are failing to implement due to lack of training curriculum.