title: Contribution of research networks to a clinical trial of antidepressants in people with dementia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The Mental Health Research Network and Dementia and Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Network were established in the UK to increase research capacity and activity; the former in mental health generally, and the latter specifically in neurodegenerative disorders including dementia. Little evidence exists on the impact of these networks on research in mental health of older people.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To examine research network support to a multi-centre randomised controlled trial of antidepressants in people with depression superimposed on dementia. Method Qualitative questionnaires were completed by principal investigators, trial-funded research workers and clinical study officers (CSOs) of the research networks.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Research network contribution was much valued by principal investigators and the nine research teams. CSOs boosted the recruitment campaign in a challenging environment and enhanced assessment processes. Some problems with consistency and staff turnover were raised.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Research network input can make an appreciable difference to the process and outcome of a multi-centre clinical trial.
authors.affiliation: Florence Nightingale School of Nursing & Midwifery, King's College London, Room 1.17, James Clerk Maxwell Building, London, UK. n.mccrae@kcl.ac.uk
authors.forename: Niall
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: McCrae
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Douglas
authors.forename: Sube
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Banerjee
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000191:economics / Q000523:psychology; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology; D015897:Comorbidity; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D017281:Cost of Illness; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000191:economics / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D015337:Multicenter Studies as Topic / Q000191:economics* / Q000379:methods*; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / Q000191:economics* / Q000379:methods*; D012108:Research Personnel / Q000191:economics* / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012109:Research Support as Topic / Q000191:economics* / Q000458:organization & administration*; D057170:Translational Research, Biomedical / Q000191:economics* / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006113:United Kingdom
chemical_list: D000928:Antidepressive Agents