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Optimising equity of access: how should we allocate slots to the most competitive trials in Cystic Fibrosis (CF)?

Dobra, R; Davies, G; Pike, K; Strassle, C; Allen, L; Brendell, R; Brownlee, K; ... London Network of Clinical Trials Accelerator Platform sites and, .; + view all (2021) Optimising equity of access: how should we allocate slots to the most competitive trials in Cystic Fibrosis (CF)? Journal of Cystic Fibrosis , 20 (6) pp. 978-985. 10.1016/j.jcf.2021.03.027. Green open access

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Abstract

Background: Trial participation can allow people with CF early access to CFTR modulator therapies, with high potential for clinical benefit. Therefore, the number of people wishing to participate can substantially exceed the number of slots available. We aimed to understand how the CF community thinks slots to competitive trials should be allocated across the UK and whether this should be driven by clinical need, patients’ engagement/adherence or be random. For the latter, we explored site-level versus registry-based, national randomisation processes. / Methods: We developed an online survey, recruiting UK-based stakeholders through social media, newsletters and personal contacts. Closed questions were analysed for frequencies and percentages of responses. Free-text questions were analysed using thematic analysis. / Results: We received 203 eligible responses. Overall, 75% of stakeholders favoured allocation of slots to individual sites based on patient population size, although pharma favoured allocation based on previous metrics. Currently, few centres have defined strategies for allocating slots locally. At face-value, stakeholders believe all eligible participants should have an equal chance of getting a slot. However, further questioning reveals preference for prioritisation strategies, primarily perceived treatment adherence, although healthcare professionals were less likely to favour this strategy than other stakeholder groups. The majority of stakeholders would prefer to allocate slots and participate in trials locally but 80% said if necessary, they would engage in a system of national allocation. / Conclusions: Fair allocation to highly competitive trials does not appear to have a universally acceptable solution. Therefore, transparency and empathy remain critical to negotiate this uncertain territory.

Type: Article
Title: Optimising equity of access: how should we allocate slots to the most competitive trials in Cystic Fibrosis (CF)?
Location: Netherlands
Open access status: An open access version is available from UCL Discovery
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcf.2021.03.027
Publisher version: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcf.2021.03.027
Language: English
Additional information: This version is the author accepted manuscript. For information on re-use, please refer to the publisher’s terms and conditions.
UCL classification: UCL
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Population Health Sciences > UCL GOS Institute of Child Health
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Population Health Sciences > UCL GOS Institute of Child Health > Population, Policy and Practice Dept
URI: https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10126474
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