Chapter 11 - Dissemination of clinical trial information: multiple audiences, multiple formats

Summary

The dissemination of clinical trial information has become more transparent and now begins with protocol registration in publicly accessible registries. Dissemination of results to outside researchers first takes place at scientific meetings. Journal selection has become more complex. The internet has become the great equalizer in terms of accessibility of a study report, provided that the report has been published in a journal that is indexed through the National Library of Medicine's PubMed database. Once the principal paper has been published, ancillary and post hoc analyses will help place the original results into clinical perspective. Briefing documents and Drug Approval Packages can also be sources of information about clinical trials. Continuing medical education (CME) is an important component in the dissemination of study results to clinicians in the field. Emerging markets hold special challenges related to differences in language, culture, and availability of information and technology.