PERCEPTION OF CLINICAL RESEARCH AMONGST CLINICAL INVESTIGATORS IN SAUDI ARABIA - RESEARCH ARTICLE

Abstract

 

Objective: Promoting clinical research is important, considering the shortage of clinical investigators and the increasing need for large number of
multicenter studies. Participation of clinical investigators in research is crucial to achieve this goal. Saudi Arabian provinces have the infrastructure
to promote the research activities. However, that is not the case, as the growth of the clinical industry is sluggish as compared with the other Middle
East and North Africa region. The objective of this study was to explore attitudes of clinical investigators toward the conducting of clinical trials in
Saudi Arabia and the barriers faced by them.
Methods: A questionnaire-based survey was administered to 100 clinical researchers from a different therapeutic background that has clinical
research experience at least one or above. The survey was carried out in various hospitals from different province Saudi Arabia. It consisted of
questions/statements on previous research experience, interests, and barriers. Responses were either yes/no answers or graded according to the
five-point Likert scale.
Result: About 69.79% of the clinical research staff felt that long approval timeline from the Saudi Food Drug and Administration is the major barrier
for conducting the clinical trials in Saudi Arabia. 85.41% of the responders said that lack of awareness among the research professionals and the
general public is causing difficulties in the growth of the industry.
Conclusion: The majority of clinical investigators working at the therapeutic department of various academic hospitals were interested in conducting
research. However, the lack of time, financial compensation, and encouragement were perceived as significant barriers.

Keywords: Clinical research, Attitude, Saudi Arabia, Barrier.