Does South Africa need a national clinical trials support unit?

Simple item page
dc.contributor.authorSiegfried, N.
dc.contributor.authorVolmink, J.
dc.contributor.authorDhansay, A.
dc.date.accessioned2011-03-18T14:56:50Z
dc.date.available2011-03-18T14:56:50Z
dc.date.issued2010
dc.descriptionArticle
dc.descriptionThe original publication is available at http://www.samj.org.za
dc.description.abstractBackground. No national South African institution provides a coherent suite of support, available skills and training for clinicians wishing to conduct randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in the public sector. We report on a study to assess the need for establishing a national South African Clinical Trials Support Unit. Objectives. To determine the need for additional training and support for conduct of RCTs within South African institutions; identify challenges facing institutions conducting RCTs; and provide recommendations for enhancing trial conduct within South African public institutions. Design. Key informant interviews of senior decision-makers at institutions with a stake in the South African public sector clinical trials research environment. Results. Trial conduct in South Africa faces many challenges, including lack of dedicated funding, the burden on clinical load, and lengthy approval processes. Strengths include the high burden of disease and the prevalence of treatmentnaïve patients. Participants expressed a significant need for a national initiative to support and enhance the conduct of public sector RCTs. Research methods training and statistical support were viewed as key. There was a broad range of views regarding the structure and focus of such an initiative, but there was agreement that the national government should provide specific funding for this purpose. Conclusions. Stakeholders generally support the establishment of a national clinical trials support initiative. Consideration must be given to the sustainability of such an initiative, in terms of funding, staffing, expected research outputs and permanence of location.
dc.description.versionPublishers' version
dc.format.extentp. 521-524
dc.identifier.citationSiegfried, N., Volmink, J. & Dhansay, A. 2010, Does South Africa need a national clinical trials support unit, SA Medical Journal, 100(8), 521-524, http://www.samj.org.za/index.php/samj
dc.identifier.issn0256-9574 (print)
dc.identifier.issn2078-5135 (online)
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/7014
dc.language.isoen_ZA
dc.publisherHealth and Medical Publishing Group (HMPG)
dc.rights.holderHealth and Medical Publishing Group (HMPG)
dc.subjectPublic health service -- Clinical trials -- South Africaen_ZA
dc.subjectClinical trials -- South Africa -- Support uniten_ZA
dc.subjectMedical research staff -- Training ofen_ZA
dc.titleDoes South Africa need a national clinical trials support unit?en_ZA
dc.typeArticle
Files
Original bundle
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
Thumbnail Image
Name:
siegfreid_does_2010.pdf
Size:
76.29 KB
Format:
Adobe Portable Document Format
Description:
Publishers' Version
Download
Collections
Research Articles (Health Systems and Public Health)