Abstract:

BACKGROUND

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 infrastructure to promote the research activities. But that is not the case, as the growth of the clinical industry is sluggish as compared with the other MENA region. The objective of this study was to explore attitudes of clinical investigators towards 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 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 5-point Likert scale.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of Clinical Researchers working at therapeutic department of various academic hospitals were interested in conducting research. But the lack of time, financial compensation and encouragement were perceived as significant barriers.

KEYWORDS

Saudi Arabia, Perception, Barrier, Financial compensation

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