Medical Advances Slow Down as Pool of Clinical Trial Volunteers Shrinks; ACRP Addresses Problem at 28th Annual Conference 5/17/2004
From: Jordan Vendetti, 202-367-1631, for the Association of Clinical Research Professionals SAN DIEGO, May 17 -- Americans are waiting longer than ever for potentially life-saving medical drugs and devices. Sponsors of clinical trials today are facing unprecedented challenges as they struggle to recruit and keep volunteers involved in studies testing the safety and efficiency of new medical products. How to motivate more Americans to volunteer is one of the top issues for clinical trial professionals as they gather for the profession's premier conference this week in San Diego, sponsored by the Association of Clinical Research Professionals. "Our 18,000 members know firsthand that the current three- to five-month delay caused by low enrollment and the high volunteer drop-out rate can have tragic consequences for ailing Americans awaiting new medical advances," said Tom Adams, ACRP CEO. "That's why ACRP is offering multiple seminars on these and other topics at our conference." Today, more than 80,000 clinical trials need volunteers. But finding them is only part of the challenge. With one out of four clinical trial participants dropping out before his or her trial is completed, motivation is a key issue. Professionals say volunteers need to understand the importance of their contribution. Yet, three out of four Americans lack information about the clinical trial process, according to industry sources. Other issues being considered by ACRP's members include the ethical dilemmas of conducting clinical trials in developing countries, obtaining informed consent from vulnerable subjects, and the impact of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations on clinical trials. All of these sessions reflect ACRP's dedication to providing its clinical research professionals with the broadest, most current information and techniques on how to improve clinical trials. "As part of our continuing commitment to maintaining the highest level of patient safety during the clinical process, we are launching a new training program for clinical trial Principal Investigators (PIs)," said the chairman of ACRP's Board of directors, and senior director of Medical Operations for Bristol- Myers Squibb's Oncology Medical Affairs, Patrick Reilly. "The new Investigator's Track provides PIs with practical information ranging from how to get started in clinical trails, to problem solving and legal ramifications." ------ The Association of Clinical Research Professionals is the world's foremost organization for research professionals. Founded in 1976, ACRP provides continuing education, accreditation, and support for its more than 18,000 members worldwide. By promoting and advancing ethical standards and practices for clinical research professionals, ACRP is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to participants in the research process. Clinical research saves lives now and unlocks hope for a healthier tomorrow. For more information, go to http://www.acrpnet.org. |