Tackling hurdles in front of young clinical investigators in oncology - Results from an international survey.
Eur J Surg Oncol
; 50(6): 108031, 2024 Jun.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38552416
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and coordinated research efforts are vital to improve global outcomes. Clinical or translational research is usually planned, coordinated and executed by clinical researchers. With this survey we aimed to identify the main hurdles in front of young clinical investigators in oncology. METHODS AND MATERIALS An anonymized survey was distributed using social media between April and November 2022. Target population were health-care professionals in the field of oncology - physicians, nurses and researchers. We divided participants according to working experience (<40 vs. >40 years of age) and country of practice (Europeans vs. non-Europeans).RESULTS:
We received 121 responses from participants practicing in 36 countries. Eighty-seven (72%) of the participants were under 40 years. Eighty-nine (74%) were from European countries and thirty-two (26%) were from non-European. Experienced and European professionals were more likely to be involved in all different aspects of clinical trials. The main source of funding - independently of geographic location - were industry grants. Investigators out of Europe have less participation in international grants. Over 50% of participants dedicate time for clinical research from their personal time and are not paid for it. Almost 50% of investigators don't have access to an experienced mentor in their institution.CONCLUSION:
The majority of respondents to our survey are active clinical researchers. Our data indicate that access to education and training as well as possibilities for appropriate networking, and specifically lack of mentorship, are key limiting factors in developing clinical research by healthcare professionals.Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Research Personnel
/
Medical Oncology
Limits:
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
/
Middle aged
Country/Region as subject:
Europa
Language:
En
Journal:
Eur J Surg Oncol
/
Eur. j. surg. oncol
/
European journal of surgical oncology
Journal subject:
NEOPLASIAS
Year:
2024
Document type:
Article
Country of publication:
United kingdom