Status of clinical research in neurology in Germany—A national survey. (26th February 2021) - Lohmann, Lisa
Abstract: Background and purpose: To provide an overview on the status of clinical research in neurology in Germany. Methods: German university hospitals, nonuniversity hospitals, and neurological medical practices were surveyed regarding their clinical research activities during the period 2013 to 2017. Results: Fifty percent of university hospitals, 10.6% of nonuniversity hospitals, and 5.2% of medical practices in Germany responded to our questionnaire. More than 80% of the clinical studies conducted have been phase III/IV and noninterventional trials (NISs), whereas <1% have been phase I and 3.5% investigator‐initiated trials (IITs). University hospitals have conducted most of the phase II–IV trials. NISs have been predominantly performed by medical practices. Fifty‐six percent of the university hospitals and less of the nonuniversity institutions confirmed the implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs). In university hospitals, on average, 11 physicians had acquired a good clinical practice certificate. Overall, 43% of all trials have been performed in neuroimmunology. Conclusions: The status of clinical research in neurology in Germany is predominated by NISs and late‐phase trials, potentially due to a general lack of easily accessible funding, which leads to a highly competitive environment and fewer opportunities to perform early‐phase clinical trials as well as IITs. Our results indicate that there is substantial need for structured support for creating and implementing SOPs to maintain quality standards and guarantee uniformity of performance. This survey assessed many aspects of clinical research and serves as guidance for providing ideas for structured improvement of clinical research in neurology in Germany. Abstract : Because in Germany there has so far been little available information on the actual status of clinical research in neurology, we created a focused questionnaire to give a comprehensive overview of participation of national neurology departments in hospitals and neurological outpatient practices in the conduction of clinical trials. Our report should help to identify issues in the process of conducting clinical trials and discuss possible solutions. Our results indicate that there is a lack of instruments of quality assurance and the need for structured support and encouragement for young physicians to initiate innovative clinical research.