Optimization of the inclusion of Alzheimer's disease patients in international multicenter randomized trials: results of a national survey conducted in memory research centers in france.

Achille Edem Tchalla (1) , C. Adam (2) , Caroline Gayot (1) , Pascale Cowppli-Bony (3) , Pierre-Marie Preux (4) , Thierry Dantoine (1, 2)

1 HAVAE - Handicap, Activité, Vieillissement, Autonomie, Environnement
2 Service de Médecine Gériatrique [CHU Limoges]
3 CMRR aquitaine
4 NET - Neuroépidémiologie Tropicale

INTRODUCTION: Since 2002, with the creation of Centers of Memory Resources and Research (CMRR), considerable progress has been made in France regarding the administrative and institutional framework within which Alzheimer's disease (AD) is managed. In this study, we explore three approaches that can help optimize the inclusion of patients in clinical trials related to AD. They are as follows: to assess communication concerning clinical trials on AD in French CMRR, to analyze the internal organization of these centers concerning the dynamics of inclusion, and to evaluate screening tools used. METHODS: A national, descriptive, cross-sectional survey was conducted in all CMRR in France between May 1 and July 31, 2011, using a self-administered questionnaire. All investigators, subinvestigators and the relevant CMRR personnel were involved. RESULTS: A total of 75% of the CMRR participated, and about 30% of the physicians contacted responded positively to the survey. Only 50% reported having communicated with health care professionals at least once in the previous 3 months, and less than 50% had communicated occasionally with the general public. A total of 75% of those surveyed had a research group but only half of the groups were active, 50% of the physicians did not have a consultation time dedicated to study recruitment, and 75% of the respondents had a screening tool in their CMRR but over half of them were not satisfied with it. CONCLUSION: This investigation provides a basis for improving the screening of patients by both internal organizational development and adaptation of tools already available. Improvement requires promoting regular communication that is appropriate and targeted to health care professionals, smaller memory centers, associations and the public, and therefore, familiarizing the whole population with clinical research on AD.

Mots clés: Alzheimer's disease; Clinical trials; Inclusion; Optimization

Domaines: Médecine humaine et pathologie

Achille Edem Tchalla, C. Adam, Caroline Gayot, Pascale Cowppli-Bony, Pierre-Marie Preux, et al.. Optimization of the inclusion of Alzheimer's disease patients in international multicenter randomized trials: results of a national survey conducted in memory research centers in france.. Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord Extra 2013, 2013, 3 (1), pp.417-25. ⟨10.1159/000353891⟩. ⟨hal-00911840⟩