Factors Influencing Clinical Trial Site Selection in Europe: the Survey of Attitudes towards Trial sites in Europe (the SAT-EU Study)

The SAT-EU study group, an independent non-profit collaborative initiative, supported by the European Forum for Good Clinical Practice (EFGCP) and several other trade and not-for profit organisations, release the results of a survey of 458 professionals representing clinical research organizations (CROs), academic clinical trial units (CTUs), and the biopharmaceutical industry in 34 countries.

The research paper found considerable variability in the perceived receptivity of countries to undertake clinical trials, with Germany, United Kingdom, and the Netherlands consistently rated the best trial markets. This led the authors to suggest the usefulness of a best practice audit of provisions governing clinical trials in these countries. "The case for action rests on the realization that evidence-based policy is indeed possible in this arena. Learning from what is working successfully will facilitate the road to creating a more welcoming environment for clinical research in Europe," the authors concluded.