Using a Behavioral Model to Assess the Barriers and Facilitators to Engaging Local Healthcare Providers in Conducting Interventional Cancer Trials in Nigeria

Abstract PURPOSE: Globalization of cancer clinical trials is now involving low middle income countries such as Nigeria as a rationale for global equity. With this ongoing clinical trial globalization, it is important to engage stakeholders such as local providers at the institutions where these trials are conducted by improving knowledge and perception of local providers concerning clinical trials.METHODS: This is a qualitative focused group study consisting of ten groups conducted at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital between November 2019 and January 2020 using locally developed probe questions to engage local providers according to departments. Transcripts of semi-structured interviews was analyzed using direct content analysis and was mapped against the implementation theory of capability, opportunity and motivation for behavior change(COM-B) to access the challenges and barriers reported by local providers. RESULTS: 239 local providers participated in this study, the challenges identified by providers were low knowledge about clinical trials, poor attitudes and systemic barriers. The opportunities suggested by local providers to improve the conduct of clinical trial in that environ included clinical trial workshops to improve baseline knowledge and perception and team collaboration between providers. CONCLUSION: As cancer clinical trials are being globalized, the local healthcare community should be brought to par with this new intervention and not be left behind. Training about clinical trials should not be limited to providers actively involved in the clinical trials but all the providers in that region should be empowered by improving the baseline knowledge and perception of clinical trials.