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Gryaznov D, von Niederhäusern B, Speich B, Kasenda B, Ojeda-Ruiz E, Blümle A, Schandelmaier S, Mertz D, Odutayo A, Tomonaga Y, Amstutz A, Pauli-Magnus C, Gloy V, Lohner S, Bischoff K, Wollmann K, Rehner L, Meerpohl JJ, Nordmann A, Klatte K, Ghosh N, Taji Heravi A, Wong J, Chow N, Hong P, McCord-De Iaco KA, Sricharoenchai S, Busse JW, Agarwal A, Saccilotto R, Schwenkglenks M, Moffa G, Hemkens L, Hopewell S, Von Elm E, Briel M. Reporting quality of clinical trial protocols: a repeated cross-sectional study about the Adherence to SPIrit Recommendations in Switzerland, CAnada and GErmany (ASPIRE-SCAGE). BMJ Open 2022; 12:e053417. [PMID: 35613804 PMCID: PMC9125701 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-053417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Comprehensive protocols are key for the planning and conduct of randomised clinical trials (RCTs). Evidence of low reporting quality of RCT protocols led to the publication of the Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials (SPIRIT) checklist in 2013. We aimed to examine the quality of reporting of RCT protocols from three countries before and after the publication of the SPIRIT checklist. DESIGN Repeated cross sectional study. SETTING Swiss, German and Canadian research ethics committees (RECs). PARTICIPANTS RCT protocols approved by RECs in 2012 (n=257) and 2016 (n=292). PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcomes were the proportion of reported SPIRIT items per protocol and the proportion of trial protocols reporting individual SPIRIT items. We compared these outcomes in protocols approved in 2012 and 2016, and built regression models to explore factors associated with adherence to SPIRIT. For each protocol, we also extracted information on general trial characteristics and assessed whether individual SPIRIT items were reported RESULTS: The median proportion of reported SPIRIT items among RCT protocols showed a non-significant increase from 72% (IQR, 63%-79%) in 2012 to 77% (IQR, 68%-82%) in 2016. However, in a preplanned subgroup analysis, we detected a significant improvement in investigator-sponsored protocols: the median proportion increased from 64% (IQR, 55%-72%) in 2012 to 76% (IQR, 64%-83%) in 2016, while for industry-sponsored protocols median adherence was 77% (IQR 72%-80%) for both years. The following trial characteristics were independently associated with lower adherence to SPIRIT: single-centre trial, no support from a clinical trials unit or contract research organisation, and investigator-sponsorship. CONCLUSIONS In 2012, industry-sponsored RCT protocols were reported more comprehensively than investigator-sponsored protocols. After publication of the SPIRIT checklist, investigator-sponsored protocols improved to the level of industry-sponsored protocols, which did not improve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitry Gryaznov
- Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Belinda von Niederhäusern
- Department of Clinical Research, Clinical Trial Unit, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Roche Pharma AG, Grenzach-Wyhlen, Germany
| | - Benjamin Speich
- Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Oxford Clinical Trials Research Unit, Centre for Statistics in Medicine, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Benjamin Kasenda
- Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Elena Ojeda-Ruiz
- Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Preventive Medicine Department, Bioaraba Health Research Institute, Osakidetza Basque Health Service, Araba University Hospital, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Alava, Spain
| | - Anette Blümle
- Clinical Trials Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Cochrane Germany, Cochrane Germany Foundation, Freiburg, Germany
- Institute for Evidence in Medicine, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Schandelmaier
- Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dominik Mertz
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ayodele Odutayo
- Oxford Clinical Trials Research Unit, Centre for Statistics in Medicine, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Yuki Tomonaga
- Epidemiology, Biostatistic und Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alain Amstutz
- Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Clinical Research Unit, Schweizerisches Tropen- und Public Health-Institut, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christiane Pauli-Magnus
- Department of Clinical Research, Clinical Trial Unit, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Viktoria Gloy
- Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Szimonetta Lohner
- Cochrane Hungary, Clinical Centre of the University of Pécs, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Karin Bischoff
- Cochrane Germany, Cochrane Germany Foundation, Freiburg, Germany
- Institute for Evidence in Medicine, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Wollmann
- Cochrane Germany, Cochrane Germany Foundation, Freiburg, Germany
- Institute for Evidence in Medicine, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Laura Rehner
- Institute for Evidence in Medicine, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Institute for Nursing Science and Interprofessional Learning, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Joerg J Meerpohl
- Cochrane Germany, Cochrane Germany Foundation, Freiburg, Germany
- Institute for Evidence in Medicine, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Alain Nordmann
- Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Katharina Klatte
- Department of Clinical Research, Clinical Trial Unit, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nilabh Ghosh
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ala Taji Heravi
- Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jacqueline Wong
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ngai Chow
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Patrick Hong
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kimberly A McCord-De Iaco
- Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sirintip Sricharoenchai
- Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jason W Busse
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Anesthesia, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Arnav Agarwal
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ramon Saccilotto
- Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Schwenkglenks
- Epidemiology, Biostatistic und Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Medicine (ECPM), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Giusi Moffa
- Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lars Hemkens
- Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Meta-Research Innovation Center Berlin (METRICS-B), Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Meta-Research Innovation Center Stanford (METRICS), Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Sally Hopewell
- Oxford Clinical Trials Research Unit, Centre for Statistics in Medicine, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Erik Von Elm
- Cochrane Switzerland, Centre for Primary Care and Public Health (unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Briel
- Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Speich B, Gryaznov D, Busse JW, Gloy VL, Lohner S, Klatte K, Taji Heravi A, Ghosh N, Lee H, Mansouri A, Marian IR, Saccilotto R, Nury E, Kasenda B, Ojeda–Ruiz E, Schandelmaier S, Tomonaga Y, Amstutz A, Pauli–Magnus C, Bischoff K, Wollmann K, Rehner L, Meerpohl JJ, Nordmann A, Wong J, Chow N, Hong PJ, Mc Cord – De Iaco K, Sricharoenchai S, Agarwal A, Schwenkglenks M, Hemkens LG, von Elm E, Copsey B, Griessbach AN, Schönenberger C, Mertz D, Blümle A, von Niederhäusern B, Hopewell S, Odutayo A, Briel M. Nonregistration, discontinuation, and nonpublication of randomized trials: A repeated metaresearch analysis. PLoS Med 2022; 19:e1003980. [PMID: 35476675 PMCID: PMC9094518 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We previously found that 25% of 1,017 randomized clinical trials (RCTs) approved between 2000 and 2003 were discontinued prematurely, and 44% remained unpublished at a median of 12 years follow-up. We aimed to assess a decade later (1) whether rates of completion and publication have increased; (2) the extent to which nonpublished RCTs can be identified in trial registries; and (3) the association between reporting quality of protocols and premature discontinuation or nonpublication of RCTs. METHODS AND FINDINGS We included 326 RCT protocols approved in 2012 by research ethics committees in Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Canada in this metaresearch study. Pilot, feasibility, and phase 1 studies were excluded. We extracted trial characteristics from each study protocol and systematically searched for corresponding trial registration (if not reported in the protocol) and full text publications until February 2022. For trial registrations, we searched the (i) World Health Organization: International Clinical Trial Registry Platform (ICTRP); (ii) US National Library of Medicine (ClinicalTrials.gov); (iii) European Union Drug Regulating Authorities Clinical Trials Database (EUCTR); (iv) ISRCTN registry; and (v) Google. For full text publications, we searched PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus. We recorded whether RCTs were registered, discontinued (including reason for discontinuation), and published. The reporting quality of RCT protocols was assessed with the 33-item SPIRIT checklist. We used multivariable logistic regression to examine the association between the independent variables protocol reporting quality, planned sample size, type of control (placebo versus other), reporting of any recruitment projection, single-center versus multicenter trials, and industry versus investigator sponsoring, with the 2 dependent variables: (1) publication of RCT results; and (2) trial discontinuation due to poor recruitment. Of the 326 included trials, 19 (6%) were unregistered. Ninety-eight trials (30%) were discontinued prematurely, most often due to poor recruitment (37%; 36/98). One in 5 trials (21%; 70/326) remained unpublished at 10 years follow-up, and 21% of unpublished trials (15/70) were unregistered. Twenty-three of 147 investigator-sponsored trials (16%) reported their results in a trial registry in contrast to 150 of 179 industry-sponsored trials (84%). The median proportion of reported SPIRIT items in included RCT protocols was 69% (interquartile range 61% to 77%). We found no variables associated with trial discontinuation; however, lower reporting quality of trial protocols was associated with nonpublication (odds ratio, 0.71 for each 10% increment in the proportion of SPIRIT items met; 95% confidence interval, 0.55 to 0.92; p = 0.009). Study limitations include that the moderate sample size may have limited the ability of our regression models to identify significant associations. CONCLUSIONS We have observed that rates of premature trial discontinuation have not changed in the past decade. Nonpublication of RCTs has declined but remains common; 21% of unpublished trials could not be identified in registries. Only 16% of investigator-sponsored trials reported results in a trial registry. Higher reporting quality of RCT protocols was associated with publication of results. Further efforts from all stakeholders are needed to improve efficiency and transparency of clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Speich
- Meta–Research Centre, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Oxford Clinical Trials Research Unit / Centre for Statistics in Medicine, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Dmitry Gryaznov
- Meta–Research Centre, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jason W. Busse
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
- Department of Anesthesia, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Viktoria L. Gloy
- Meta–Research Centre, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Szimonetta Lohner
- Cochrane Hungary, Clinical Centre of the University of Pécs, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Katharina Klatte
- Clinical Trial Unit, Department of Clinical Research, University of Basel and University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ala Taji Heravi
- Meta–Research Centre, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nilabh Ghosh
- Meta–Research Centre, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Hopin Lee
- Oxford Clinical Trials Research Unit / Centre for Statistics in Medicine, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Anita Mansouri
- Oxford Clinical Trials Research Unit / Centre for Statistics in Medicine, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ioana R. Marian
- Oxford Clinical Trials Research Unit / Centre for Statistics in Medicine, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ramon Saccilotto
- Clinical Trial Unit, Department of Clinical Research, University of Basel and University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Edris Nury
- Institute for Evidence in Medicine (for Cochrane Germany Foundation), Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Department of General Practice and Primary Care, Medical Center Hamburg–Eppendorf–UKE, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Benjamin Kasenda
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Basel and University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Elena Ojeda–Ruiz
- Meta–Research Centre, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Bioaraba Health Research Institute, Health Prevention, Promotion and Care Area; Osakidetza Basque Health Service, Araba University Hospital, Preventive Medicine Department, Vitoria–Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Stefan Schandelmaier
- Meta–Research Centre, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Yuki Tomonaga
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alain Amstutz
- Meta–Research Centre, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christiane Pauli–Magnus
- Clinical Trial Unit, Department of Clinical Research, University of Basel and University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Karin Bischoff
- Institute for Evidence in Medicine, Medical Center–University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Cochrane Germany, Cochrane Germany Foundation, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Laura Rehner
- Institute for Evidence in Medicine, Medical Center–University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Institute for Nursing Science and Interprofessional Learning, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Joerg J. Meerpohl
- Institute for Evidence in Medicine, Medical Center–University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Cochrane Germany, Cochrane Germany Foundation, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Alain Nordmann
- Meta–Research Centre, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jacqueline Wong
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Ngai Chow
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Patrick Jiho Hong
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Kimberly Mc Cord – De Iaco
- Meta–Research Centre, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Multifactorial and Complex Diseases Research Area, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Sirintip Sricharoenchai
- Meta–Research Centre, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Arnav Agarwal
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Matthias Schwenkglenks
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Medicine (ECPM), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lars G. Hemkens
- Meta–Research Centre, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Meta–Research Innovation Center Berlin (METRICS–B), Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Meta–Research Innovation Center at Stanford (METRICS), Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Erik von Elm
- Cochrane Switzerland, Centre for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Bethan Copsey
- Oxford Clinical Trials Research Unit / Centre for Statistics in Medicine, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Alexandra N. Griessbach
- Meta–Research Centre, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christof Schönenberger
- Meta–Research Centre, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dominik Mertz
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Anette Blümle
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- Clinical Trials Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Belinda von Niederhäusern
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Roche Pharma AG, Grenzach–Wyhlen, Germany
| | - Sally Hopewell
- Oxford Clinical Trials Research Unit / Centre for Statistics in Medicine, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ayodele Odutayo
- Oxford Clinical Trials Research Unit / Centre for Statistics in Medicine, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Applied Health Research Centre, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Matthias Briel
- Meta–Research Centre, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
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Blümle A, Wollmann K, Bischoff K, Kapp P, Lohner S, Nury E, Nitschke K, Zähringer J, Rücker G, Schumacher M. Investigator initiated trials versus industry sponsored trials - translation of randomized controlled trials into clinical practice (IMPACT). BMC Med Res Methodol 2021; 21:182. [PMID: 34465296 PMCID: PMC8406615 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-021-01359-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Healthcare decisions are ideally based on clinical trial results, published in study registries, as journal articles or summarized in secondary research articles. In this research project, we investigated the impact of academically and commercially sponsored clinical trials on medical practice by measuring the proportion of trials published and cited by systematic reviews and clinical guidelines. Methods We examined 691 multicenter, randomized controlled trials that started in 2005 or later and were completed by the end of 2016. To determine whether sponsorship/funding and place of conduct influence a trial’s impact, we created four sub-cohorts of investigator initiated trials (IITs) and industry sponsored trials (ISTs): 120 IITs and 171 ISTs with German contribution compared to 200 IITs and 200 ISTs without German contribution. We balanced the groups for study phase and place of conduct. German IITs were funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), or by another non-commercial research organization. All other trials were drawn from the German Clinical Trials Register or ClinicalTrials.gov. We investigated, to what extent study characteristics were associated with publication and impact using multivariable logistic regressions. Results For 80% of the 691 trials, results were published as result articles in a medical journal and/or study registry, 52% were cited by a systematic review, and 26% reached impact in a clinical guideline. Drug trials and larger trials were associated with a higher probability to be published and to have an impact than non-drug trials and smaller trials. Results of IITs were more often published as a journal article while results of ISTs were more often published in study registries. International ISTs less often gained impact by inclusion in systematic reviews or guidelines than IITs. Conclusion An encouraging high proportion of the clinical trials were published, and a considerable proportion gained impact on clinical practice. However, there is still room for improvement. For publishing study results, study registries have become an alternative or complement to journal articles, especially for ISTs. IITs funded by governmental bodies in Germany reached an impact that is comparable to international IITs and ISTs. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12874-021-01359-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anette Blümle
- Institute for Evidence in Medicine (for Cochrane Germany Foundation), Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 86, 79110, Freiburg, Germany. .,Clinical Trials Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Elsässer Straße 2, 79110, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Katharina Wollmann
- Institute for Evidence in Medicine (for Cochrane Germany Foundation), Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 86, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Karin Bischoff
- Institute for Evidence in Medicine (for Cochrane Germany Foundation), Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 86, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Kapp
- Institute for Evidence in Medicine (for Cochrane Germany Foundation), Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 86, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Szimonetta Lohner
- Cochrane Hungary, Clinical Centre of the University of Pécs, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Edris Nury
- Institute for Evidence in Medicine (for Cochrane Germany Foundation), Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 86, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Kai Nitschke
- Institute for Evidence in Medicine (for Cochrane Germany Foundation), Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 86, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jasmin Zähringer
- Institute for Evidence in Medicine (for Cochrane Germany Foundation), Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 86, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Gerta Rücker
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Stefan-Meier-Str. 26, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Martin Schumacher
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Stefan-Meier-Str. 26, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
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Wollmann K, der Keylen PV, Tomandl J, Meerpohl JJ, Sofroniou M, Maun A, Voigt-Radloff S. The information needs of internet users and their requirements for online health information-A scoping review of qualitative and quantitative studies. Patient Educ Couns 2021; 104:1904-1932. [PMID: 33563502 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2021.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This scoping review has been conducted to summarise the information needs of internet users and their requirements for online health information. METHODS We searched MEDLINE, Web of Science and Scopus up to July 2019. Qualitative, quantitative and mixed-method studies were included and a thematic synthesis with category formation and exact description of the items was carried out. RESULTS 118 studies were included. To address all users' needs mentioned in the included studies, we grouped them into nine main categories: authority, comprehension, currency, evidence-based information, exchange with others, independence, purpose, services, user experience. The evaluation showed that website users wanted qualifications of authors to be cited. Users preferred health information that offered interactive elements and resources for relatives, whilst also providing an opportunity for online contact with others. The ease with which information was accessed and the intelligibility of texts were regarded as being very important to users. CONCLUSION Given the rapid evolvement and changes of online health information, it is crucial to provide up to date insights and a comprehensive overview of the range of criteria. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS With the results obtained through this scoping review, the creators of online health information could be assisted in providing user-specific resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Wollmann
- Institute for Evidence in Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Cochrane Germany, Cochrane Germany Foundation, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Piet van der Keylen
- Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Institute of General Practice, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Johanna Tomandl
- Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Institute of General Practice, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Joerg J Meerpohl
- Institute for Evidence in Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Cochrane Germany, Cochrane Germany Foundation, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Mario Sofroniou
- Institute for General Practice/Primary Care, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Andy Maun
- Institute for General Practice/Primary Care, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany; Section of Health Care Research and Rehabilitation Research, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Sebastian Voigt-Radloff
- Institute for Evidence in Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
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van der Keylen P, Tomandl J, Wollmann K, Möhler R, Sofroniou M, Maun A, Voigt-Radloff S, Frank L. The Online Health Information Needs of Family Physicians: Systematic Review of Qualitative and Quantitative Studies. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e18816. [PMID: 33377874 PMCID: PMC7806443 DOI: 10.2196/18816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Digitalization and the increasing availability of online information have changed the way in which information is searched for and retrieved by the public and by health professionals. The technical developments in the last two decades have transformed the methods of information retrieval. Although systematic evidence exists on the general information needs of specialists, and in particular, family physicians (FPs), there have been no recent systematic reviews to specifically address the needs of FPs and any barriers that may exist to accessing online health information. Objective This review aims to provide an up-to-date perspective on the needs of FPs in searching, retrieving, and using online information. Methods This systematic review of qualitative and quantitative studies searched a multitude of databases spanning the years 2000 to 2020 (search date January 2020). Studies that analyzed the online information needs of FPs, any barriers to the accessibility of information, and their information-seeking behaviors were included. Two researchers independently scrutinized titles and abstracts, analyzing full-text papers for their eligibility, the studies therein, and the data obtained from them. Results The initial search yielded 4541 studies for initial title and abstract screening. Of the 144 studies that were found to be eligible for full-text screening, 41 were finally included. A total of 20 themes were developed and summarized into 5 main categories: individual needs of FPs before the search; access needs, including factors that would facilitate or hinder information retrieval; quality needs of the information to hand; utilization needs of the information available; and implication needs for everyday practice. Conclusions This review suggests that searching, accessing, and using online information, as well as any pre-existing needs, barriers, or demands, should not be perceived as separate entities but rather be regarded as a sequential process. Apart from accessing information and evaluating its quality, FPs expressed concerns regarding the applicability of this information to their everyday practice and its subsequent relevance to patient care. Future online information resources should cater to the needs of the primary care setting and seek to address the way in which such resources may be adapted to these specific requirements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piet van der Keylen
- Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Institute of General Practice, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Johanna Tomandl
- Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Institute of General Practice, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Katharina Wollmann
- Institute for Evidence in Medicine, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Cochrane Germany Foundation, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ralph Möhler
- Institute for Health Services Research and Health Economics, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Center for Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Mario Sofroniou
- Division of General Practice, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andy Maun
- Division of General Practice, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Luca Frank
- Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Institute of General Practice, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
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6
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Gryaznov D, Odutayo A, von Niederhäusern B, Speich B, Kasenda B, Ojeda-Ruiz E, Blümle A, Schandelmaier S, Mertz D, Tomonaga Y, Amstutz A, Pauli-Magnus C, Gloy V, Bischoff K, Wollmann K, Rehner L, Lohner S, Meerpohl JJ, Nordmann A, Klatte K, Ghosh N, Heravi AT, Wong J, Chow N, Hong PJ, Cord KM, Sricharoenchai S, Busse JW, Agarwal A, Saccilotto R, Schwenkglenks M, Moffa G, Hemkens LG, Hopewell S, von Elm E, Briel M. Rationale and design of repeated cross-sectional studies to evaluate the reporting quality of trial protocols: the Adherence to SPIrit REcommendations (ASPIRE) study and associated projects. Trials 2020; 21:896. [PMID: 33115541 PMCID: PMC7594472 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-020-04808-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clearly structured and comprehensive protocols are an essential component to ensure safety of participants, data validity, successful conduct, and credibility of results of randomized clinical trials (RCTs). Funding agencies, research ethics committees (RECs), regulatory agencies, medical journals, systematic reviewers, and other stakeholders rely on protocols to appraise the conduct and reporting of RCTs. In response to evidence of poor protocol quality, the Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials (SPIRIT) guideline was published in 2013 to improve the accuracy and completeness of clinical trial protocols. The impact of these recommendations on protocol completeness and associations between protocol completeness and successful RCT conduct and publication remain uncertain. OBJECTIVES AND METHODS Aims of the Adherence to SPIrit REcommendations (ASPIRE) study are to investigate adherence to SPIRIT checklist items of RCT protocols approved by RECs in the UK, Switzerland, Germany, and Canada before (2012) and after (2016) the publication of the SPIRIT guidelines; determine protocol features associated with non-adherence to SPIRIT checklist items; and assess potential differences in adherence across countries. We assembled an international cohort of RCTs based on 450 protocols approved in 2012 and 402 protocols approved in 2016 by RECs in Switzerland, the UK, Germany, and Canada. We will extract data on RCT characteristics and adherence to SPIRIT for all included protocols. We will use multivariable regression models to investigate temporal changes in SPIRIT adherence, differences across countries, and associations between SPIRIT adherence of protocols with RCT registration, completion, and publication of results. We plan substudies to examine the registration, premature discontinuation, and non-publication of RCTs; the use of patient-reported outcomes in RCT protocols; SPIRIT adherence of RCT protocols with non-regulated interventions; the planning of RCT subgroup analyses; and the use of routinely collected data for RCTs. DISCUSSION The ASPIRE study and associated substudies will provide important information on the impact of measures to improve the reporting of RCT protocols and on multiple aspects of RCT design, trial registration, premature discontinuation, and non-publication of RCTs observing potential changes over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitry Gryaznov
- Department of Clinical Research, Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 12, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ayodele Odutayo
- Applied Health Research Centre, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Instiute of St Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Canada
- Oxford Clinical Trials Research Unit and Centre for Statistics in Medicine, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Belinda von Niederhäusern
- Department of Clinical Research, Clinical Trial Unit, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Roche Pharma AG, Grenzach-Wyhlen, Germany
| | - Benjamin Speich
- Department of Clinical Research, Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 12, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Oxford Clinical Trials Research Unit and Centre for Statistics in Medicine, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Benjamin Kasenda
- Department of Clinical Research, Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 12, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- iOMEDICO AG, Research & Development, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Elena Ojeda-Ruiz
- Department of Clinical Research, Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 12, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Preventive Medicine Department, Osakidetza Basque Health Service, Bioaraba Health Research Institute, Health Prevention, Promotion and Care Area, Araba University Hospital, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Anette Blümle
- Institute for Evidence in Medicine, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Cochrane Germany, Cochrane Germany Foundation, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Schandelmaier
- Department of Clinical Research, Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 12, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Dominik Mertz
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Yuki Tomonaga
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alain Amstutz
- Department of Clinical Research, Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 12, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christiane Pauli-Magnus
- Department of Clinical Research, Clinical Trial Unit, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Viktoria Gloy
- Department of Clinical Research, Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 12, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Karin Bischoff
- Institute for Evidence in Medicine, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Cochrane Germany, Cochrane Germany Foundation, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Wollmann
- Institute for Evidence in Medicine, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Cochrane Germany, Cochrane Germany Foundation, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Laura Rehner
- Institute for Evidence in Medicine, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Epidemiology and Community Health, Institute for Community Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Szimonetta Lohner
- Cochrane Hungary, Clinical Centre of the University of Pécs, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Joerg J. Meerpohl
- Institute for Evidence in Medicine, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Cochrane Germany, Cochrane Germany Foundation, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Alain Nordmann
- Department of Clinical Research, Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 12, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Katharina Klatte
- Department of Clinical Research, Clinical Trial Unit, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nilabh Ghosh
- Department of Neurosurgery and Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ala Taji Heravi
- Department of Clinical Research, Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 12, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jacqueline Wong
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Ngai Chow
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Patrick Jiho Hong
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Kimberly Mc Cord
- Department of Clinical Research, Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 12, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sirintip Sricharoenchai
- Department of Clinical Research, Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 12, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jason W. Busse
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
- Department of Anesthesia, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Arnav Agarwal
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Ramon Saccilotto
- Department of Clinical Research, Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 12, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Schwenkglenks
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Medicine (ECPM), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Giusi Moffa
- Department of Clinical Research, Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 12, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lars G. Hemkens
- Department of Clinical Research, Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 12, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sally Hopewell
- Oxford Clinical Trials Research Unit and Centre for Statistics in Medicine, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Erik von Elm
- Cochrane Switzerland, Centre for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Briel
- Department of Clinical Research, Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 12, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
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7
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Nury E, Bischoff K, Wollmann K, Nitschke K, Lohner S, Schumacher M, Rücker G, Blümle A. Impact of investigator initiated trials and industry sponsored trials on medical practice (IMPACT): rationale and study design. BMC Med Res Methodol 2020; 20:246. [PMID: 33008297 PMCID: PMC7532587 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-020-01125-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The German Research Foundation (DFG) and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) initiated large research programs to foster high quality clinical research in the academic area. These investigator initiated trials (IITs) cover important areas of medical research and often go beyond the scope of industry sponsored trials (ISTs). The purpose of this project was to understand to what extent results of randomized controlled IITs and ISTs have an impact on medical practice, measured by their availability for decisions in healthcare and their implementation in clinical practice. We aimed to determine study characteristics influencing a trial’s impact such as type of sponsor and place of conduct. In this article, we describe the rationale and design of this project and present the characteristics of the trials included in our study cohort. Methods The research impact of the following sub-cohorts was compared: German IITs (funded by DFG and BMBF or by other German non-commercial organizations), international IITs (without German contribution), German ISTs, and international ISTs. Trials included were drawn from the DFG−/BMBF-Websites, the German Clinical Trials Register, and from ClinicalTrials.gov. Research impact was measured as follows: 1) proportion of published trials, 2) time to publication, 3) proportion of publications appropriately indexed in biomedical databases, 4) proportion of openly accessible publications, 5) broadness of publication’s target group, 6) citation of publications by systematic reviews or meta-analyses, and 7) appearance of publications or citing systematic reviews or meta-analyses in clinical practice guidelines. We also aimed to identify study characteristics associated with the impact of trials. Results We included 691 trials: 120 German IITs, 200 International IITs, 171 German ISTs and 200 International ISTs. The median number of participants was 150, 30% were international trials and 70% national trials, 48% drug-trials and 52% non-drug trials. Overall, 72% of the trials had one pre-defined primary endpoint, 28% two or more (max. 36). Conclusions The results of this project deepen our understanding of the impact of biomedical research on clinical practice and healthcare policy, add important insights for the efficient allocation of scarce research resources and may facilitate providing accountability to the different stakeholders involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Nury
- Institute for Evidence in Medicine (for Cochrane Germany Foundation), Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 86, 79110, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - K Bischoff
- Institute for Evidence in Medicine (for Cochrane Germany Foundation), Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 86, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
| | - K Wollmann
- Institute for Evidence in Medicine (for Cochrane Germany Foundation), Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 86, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
| | - K Nitschke
- Institute for Evidence in Medicine (for Cochrane Germany Foundation), Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 86, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
| | - S Lohner
- Cochrane Hungary, Clinical Centre of the University of Pécs, Medical School, University of Pécs, Rákóczi út 2, Pécs, 7623, Hungary
| | - M Schumacher
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Stefan-Meier-Straße 26, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - G Rücker
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Stefan-Meier-Straße 26, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - A Blümle
- Institute for Evidence in Medicine (for Cochrane Germany Foundation), Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 86, 79110, Freiburg, Germany.,Clinical Trials Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Elsässer Straße 2, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
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8
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Wieschowski S, Riedel N, Wollmann K, Kahrass H, Müller-Ohlraun S, Schürmann C, Kelley S, Kszuk U, Siegerink B, Dirnagl U, Meerpohl J, Strech D. Result dissemination from clinical trials conducted at German university medical centers was delayed and incomplete. J Clin Epidemiol 2019; 115:37-45. [PMID: 31195110 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2019.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Revised: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Timely and comprehensive reporting of clinical trial results builds the backbone of evidence-based medicine and responsible research. The proportion of timely disseminated trial results can inform alternative national and international benchmarking of university medical centers (UMCs). STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING For all German UMCs, we tracked all registered trials completed between 2009 and 2013. The results and an interactive website benchmark German UMCs regarding their performance in result dissemination. RESULTS We identified and tracked 2,132 clinical trials. For 1,509 trials, one of the German UMCs took the academic lead. Of these 1,509 "lead trials," 39% published their results (mostly via journal publications) in a timely manner (<24 months after completion). More than 6 years after study completion, 26% of all eligible lead trials still had not disseminated results. CONCLUSION Despite substantial attention from many stakeholders to the topic, there is still a strong delay or even absence of result dissemination for many trials. German UMCs have several opportunities to improve this situation. Further research should evaluate whether and how a transparent benchmarking of UMC performance in result dissemination helps to increase value and reduce waste in medical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Wieschowski
- Institute for Ethics, History, and Philosophy of Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Nico Riedel
- QUEST Center for Transforming Biomedical Research, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Katharina Wollmann
- Institute for Evidence in Medicine (for Cochrane Germany Foundation), Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Cochrane Germany Foundation, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hannes Kahrass
- Institute for Ethics, History, and Philosophy of Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Christopher Schürmann
- Institute for Ethics, History, and Philosophy of Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Sean Kelley
- Department of Experimental Neurology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ute Kszuk
- Cochrane Germany Foundation, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Bob Siegerink
- Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulrich Dirnagl
- QUEST Center for Transforming Biomedical Research, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany; Department of Experimental Neurology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jörg Meerpohl
- Institute for Evidence in Medicine (for Cochrane Germany Foundation), Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Strech
- Institute for Ethics, History, and Philosophy of Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; QUEST Center for Transforming Biomedical Research, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany; Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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9
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Voigt-Radloff S, Schöpf AC, Boeker M, Frank L, Farin E, Kaier K, Körner M, Wollmann K, Lang B, Meerpohl JJ, Möhler R, Niebling W, Serong J, Lange R, van der Keylen P, Maun A. Well informed physician-patient communication in consultations on back pain - study protocol of the cluster randomized GAP trial. BMC Fam Pract 2019; 20:33. [PMID: 30803433 PMCID: PMC6388488 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-019-0925-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Back pain is one of the most frequent causes of health-related work absence. In Germany, more than 70% of adults suffer from at least one back pain episode per annum. It has strong impact on health care costs and patients' quality of life. Patients increasingly seek health information on the internet. However, judging its trustworthiness is difficult. In addition, physicians who are being confronted with this type of information often experience it to complicate the physician-patient interaction. The GAP trial aims to develop, implement and evaluate an evidence-based, easy-to-understand and trustworthy internet information portal on lower back pain to be used by general practitioners and patients during and after the consultation. Effectiveness of GAP portal use compared to routine consultation on improving communication and informedness of both physicians and patients will be assessed. In addition, effects on health care costs and patients' days of sick leave will be evaluated. METHODS We will conduct a prospective multi-centre, cluster-randomized parallel group trial including 1500 patients and 150 recruiting general practitioners. The intervention group will have access to the GAP portal. The portal will contain brief guides for patients and physicians on how to improve the consultation as well as information on epidemiology, aetiology, symptoms, benefits and harms of treatment options for acute, sub-acute and chronic lower back pain. The GAP portal will be designed to be user-friendly and present information on back pain tailored for either patients or physicians in form of brief fact sheets, educative videos, info-graphics, animations and glossaries. Physicians and patients will assess their informedness and the physician-patient communication in consultations at baseline and at two time points after the consultations under investigation. Days of sick leave and health care costs related to back pain will be compared between control and intervention group using routine data of company health insurance funds. DISCUSSION The GAP-trial intends to improve the communication between physicians and their patients and the informedness of both groups. If proven beneficial, the evidence-based and user-friendly portal will be made accessible for all patients and health professionals in back pain care. Inclusion of further indications might be implemented and evaluated in the long term. TRIAL REGISTRATION German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00014279 (registered 27th of April 2018).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Voigt-Radloff
- Institute for Evidence in Medicine (for Cochrane Germany Foundation), Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 153, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andrea C. Schöpf
- Section of Health Care Research and Rehabilitation Research, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Martin Boeker
- Medical Data Science, Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Luca Frank
- Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Institute of General Practice, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Erik Farin
- Section of Health Care Research and Rehabilitation Research, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Klaus Kaier
- Division Methods in Clinical Epidemiology, Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Mirjam Körner
- Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, Medical Faculty, Albert-Ludwigs-University, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Wollmann
- Institute for Evidence in Medicine (for Cochrane Germany Foundation), Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 153, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
- Cochrane Germany Foundation, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Britta Lang
- Clinical Trials Unit of the Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Joerg J. Meerpohl
- Institute for Evidence in Medicine (for Cochrane Germany Foundation), Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 153, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ralph Möhler
- School of Public Health, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Wilhelm Niebling
- Division of General Practice, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Julia Serong
- Institute for Journalism, Technical University of Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Renate Lange
- Bavarian State Association of Company Health Insurance Funds, Bavarian, Germany
| | - Piet van der Keylen
- Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Institute of General Practice, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andy Maun
- Section of Health Care Research and Rehabilitation Research, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Division of General Practice, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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10
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Gabor F, Wollmann K, Theyer G, Haberl I, Hamilton G. In vitro antiproliferative effects of albumin-doxorubicin conjugates against Ewing's sarcoma and peripheral neuroectodermal tumor cells. Anticancer Res 1994; 14:1943-50. [PMID: 7847832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The 3-5 year survival rates of patients with disseminated Ewing's sarcoma (ES) or the closely related peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNET) remain low, even under aggressive treatment involving highly toxic multidrug chemotherapeutic regimens. ES and PNET are sensitive to doxorubicin, but may escape treatment by expression of the multidrug-resistant phenotype and/or other mechanisms. In this study, we have identified albumin as growth supporting factor for ES and PNET cells in IGF-I-supplemented serum-free tissue culture medium. To investigate the specificity and toxicity of albumin-based drug conjugates, doxorubicin was coupled to bovine serum albumin (BSA) by either a two step glutaraldehyde or carbodiimide-C4-spacer technique, yielding monomeric DOX-albumin conjugates with conjugation numbers ranging from 3-20 moles DOX/mole BSA. Cellular uptake of fluorescein-isothiocyanate-(FITC)-labeled albumin and DOX-albumin conjugates could be demonstrated by flow cytometric measurements of cell-associated fluorescence and confocal microscopy. The cytostatic activity of these conjugates against ES/PNET cell lines, a neuroblastoma (LAN-1) and prostate cancer carcinoma cell line (PC-3) and normal lymphoblasts was tested in short-term proliferation assays (48 h). The results show a high selectivity of the DOX-albumin conjugates for ES/PNET cell lines, with highest growth inhibition by conjugates with low DOX conjugation numbers (n = 3) in serum-supplemented medium (17-32 fold loss of activity compared to free DOX), followed by 20-DOX-C4-albumin in serum-free medium and low activity of the other conjugates. In conclusion, DOX-albumin conjugates inhibit the growth of ES/PNET cell lines selectively, showing low activity against the unrelated carcinoma line PC-3 and sparing normal lymphoblasts. The inverse correlation of activity and conjugation number demonstrates a low cytotoxic activity of DOX in acid-stable binding to monomeric albumin, pointing to a selective cytostatic activity of the modified albumin against ES and PNET cells, even in the presence of a 100 fold excess of unmodified serum albumin.
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MESH Headings
- Carbodiimides
- Cell Division/drug effects
- Culture Media, Serum-Free
- Doxorubicin/administration & dosage
- Doxorubicin/pharmacokinetics
- Doxorubicin/pharmacology
- Drug Carriers
- Extracellular Matrix/drug effects
- Extracellular Matrix/metabolism
- Fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate/analogs & derivatives
- Glutaral
- Growth Substances/pharmacology
- Humans
- Insulin/pharmacology
- Insulin-Like Growth Factor I/pharmacology
- Lymphocytes/drug effects
- Lymphocytes/metabolism
- Neuroectodermal Tumors, Primitive/drug therapy
- Neuroectodermal Tumors, Primitive/metabolism
- Neuroectodermal Tumors, Primitive/pathology
- Sarcoma, Ewing/drug therapy
- Sarcoma, Ewing/metabolism
- Sarcoma, Ewing/pathology
- Serum Albumin, Bovine/administration & dosage
- Serum Albumin, Bovine/pharmacokinetics
- Serum Albumin, Bovine/pharmacology
- Sodium Selenite/pharmacology
- Transferrin/pharmacology
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
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Affiliation(s)
- F Gabor
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Vienna, Austria
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Hofbauer S, Hamilton G, Theyer G, Wollmann K, Gabor F. Insulin-like growth factor-I-dependent growth and in vitro chemosensitivity of Ewing's sarcoma and peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumour cell lines. Eur J Cancer 1993; 29A:241-5. [PMID: 8380698 DOI: 10.1016/0959-8049(93)90183-g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Serum-free growth of Ewing's sarcoma (ES) and primitive peripheral neuroectodermal tumour (pPNET) cell lines was achieved by supplementing a basal medium with insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I). These cultures were used to investigate the sensitivity of 3 ES (EW-2, RD-ES, SK-ES-1) and 3 pPNET (SIM-1, KAL, SAL) cell lines to a panel of anti-tumour agents in short-term (48-h) proliferation assays. Of the four cytostatic drugs included in the currently used multi-drug regimens, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin and actinomycin-D inhibit the proliferation of the cell lines with high efficacy, whereas the vinca alkaloids were less effective. Cisplatin, etoposide, mitomycin-C and mitoxanthrone were also found to have a high inhibitory activity in this in vitro ES/pPNET system. The most remarkable effect was observed for cytosine arabinoside (ARA-C), which gave a half-maximal inhibition at drug concentrations approximately 5000 times below the clinical peak plasma concentrations (250 micrograms/ml). The ARA-C sensitivity of ES and pPNET cell lines is comparable with the established ARA-C sensitivities of leukaemia-derived cells. The different ES and pPNET cell lines showed a rather uniform response to the different cytostatic drugs with decreased sensitivity of individual pPNET cell lines to vinblastin, ARA-C and mitoxanthrone. Modulation of the IGF-I/IGF-I receptor/IGF-I binding protein system, which seems to constitute an important stimulator of cell growth in neuroectoderm-derived or -related tumours, can be used to enhance the drug sensitivity of the tumour cells in vivo or in vitro therapeutic procedures. According to our results, serum-free conditions for autologous bone marrow purification are expected to result in significantly increased chemosensitivity of ES and pPNET cells in response to anthracyclines and cisplatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Hofbauer
- Department of Surgery, University of Vienna, Austria
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