To refer or not to refer: Factors that affect primary care provider referral of patients with cancer to clinical treatment trials.
BACKGROUND
Despite breakthroughs in experimental cancer treatment, relatively few patients participate in cancer clinical treatment trials (CCTTs). Primary care providers (PCPs) have a strong influence on patients' decisions to participate in a CCTT.


METHODS
To determine factors that influence PCP referral of patients to CCTTs, we conducted a descriptive survey of 571 Michigan PCPs.


RESULTS
Attendance at CCTT educational sessions consistently predicted referral. Provider attitudes regarding CCTT perceived knowledge, access, and comfort with responsibilities when patients were in a CCTT also predicted referral.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings support allocating funds to provide CCTT education to PCPs to increase numbers of patients willing to participate in CCTTs.
Sherwood
Paula R
PR
College of Nursing, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824, USA.
Given
Barbara A
BA
Scholnik
Aaron
A
Given
Charles W
CW
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008824:Michigan; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D018579:Patient Selection; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D011320:Primary Health Care; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors