Pharmacopsychiatry 2011; 44(4): 123-128
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1277147
Original Paper

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Schizophrenia Trial Participation: Perceived Inclusion Barriers and Beliefs about Antipsychotics

L. Ghio1 , W. Natta1 , A. Barbato2 , M. Marcenaro1 , S. Gotelli1 , P. B. Jones3 , A. Parabiaghi1
  • 1Departments of Neuroscience Ophthalmology, and Genetics University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
  • 2Epidemiology and Social Psychiatry Unit, ‘Mario Negri’ Institute for Pharmacological Research, Milan, Italy
  • 3Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
Weitere Informationen

Publikationsverlauf

received 22.12.2010 revised 22.03.2011

accepted 23.03.2011

Publikationsdatum:
27. Juni 2011 (online)

Abstract

Background: Patient recruitment is the universal rate-limiting factor for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in all medical specialties. This study examined the opinions on perceived inclusion barriers and beliefs about antipsychotics of a group of psychiatrists participating in a pragmatic RCT on antipsychotic drugs in schizophrenia (the GiSAS trial).

Methods: A survey of all clinicians working in the trial recruiting centers was performed exploring factors associated to the respondents’ opinions.

Results: Of 465 clinicians, 278 (59.8%) responded to the questionnaire. Respondents (n=278) were mainly influenced by clinical and trial-related barriers (89%). Factors such as work setting and antipsychotic prescription choices appeared to be related to perceived inclusion barriers. Most respondents believed in the superiority of SGAs (62.9%), one-third indicating drug company representatives as the most important source of information; this was related to further optimism towards SGAs.

Conclusions: Respondents were affected mainly by system-related barriers, whereas personal barriers were given less weight. The influence of industry-mediated information could have affected opinions on SGAs and the lack of uncertainty about antipsychotics attitudes towards trial participation.

References

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Correspondence

Dr. A. Parabiaghi

Epidemiology and Social

Psychiatry Unit

‘Mario Negri’ Institute for

Pharmacological Research

Via La Masa 19

20156 Milan

Italy

Telefon: +39/02/3901 4602

Fax: +39/02/3901 4300

eMail: alberto.parabiaghi@marionegri.it