The rapid growth of new potential drugs, treatments, and devices in development has created a significant rise in the number of clinical trials which necessitates the need for a greater participation of physicians in clinical research. New drugs and devices cannot make it to the market without a participation of clinical research investigators in clinical trials. The greater part of patients treated today, most of who are eligible for taking part in these trials are seen in private medical centers that are not usually associated with an academic medical center. Thus, there is a prominent need for physicians in private practice to contribute in clinical trials in the larger interest of public.
Why should Physicians participate in Clinical Trials?
As a physician, there is a propensity to base practice choices on one’s own experience, recollecting outcomes from latest cases, which can alter one’s future practice. These findings and impacts may be at odds with real evidence-based therapy and treatments. Clinical trials offer the best way to pool controlled findings in an objective and scientific way, enabling physicians to make a decision with the best accessible data regarding which treatment will work most effectively for each individual. Moving to an evidence-based from an experience-based model has gradually transformed medical practice and clinical research is the linchpin of this development.
Taking part in a clinical trial enables the physician to remain at the latest or most advanced stage in the development of a particular area in medicine, and there are usually opportunities for investigators and their team to meet other investigators from throughout the country or from around the entire world to exchange ideas and plan future cooperation.
Taking part in a clinical trial adds reputation to physician’s practice. Finally, the biggest reward for physician who participated in clinical trail is the knowledge gained by the outcomes of a study.
Basic Qualification to become a Clinical Research Investigator
The most vital requirement for an investigator is passion and interest to conduct clinical trial. It is the desire of the principal investigator that inspires co-workers and associates who work with him or her. Without the enthusiasm of the study group leader, the trial may not be successful.
A physician who is fascinated in taking part in clinical research should have a clear knowledge of clinical research, drug development and ethical issues involved in clinical trials. Appropriate training in clinical research will allow physicians to conduct clinical trials successfully and in an ethical way.
The investigator should be proficient in the area being researched. Even though this may look self-evident, it is completely possible to be presented with a trial procedure that appears to be interesting but needs therapeutics in a new area. Without having practical experience with the disease being investigated, signs and symptoms might be misunderstood or go unacknowledged, and patient care can suffer. While executing a clinical trial the research protocol creates newer insights into the understanding of disease pathogenesis and therapeutic interventions, thereby transforming a physician into a physician scientist.
Conclusion
Practicng doctors need to enlist as investigators in the fast growing number of clinical trials to make sure that new drugs are developed with the ultimate aim of enhancement in patient care. The data they produce may quickly be applicable to the general population. With the appropriate background, experience, support team, and dedication, physicians in private practice can hold themselves on the cutting edge of a treatment while making a contribution to modern medicine.
