title: To refer or not to refer: Factors that affect primary care provider referral of patients with cancer to clinical treatment trials.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824, USA.
authors.forename: Paula R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Sherwood
authors.forename: Barbara A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Given
authors.forename: Aaron
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Scholnik
authors.forename: Charles W
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Given
mesh_terms: 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