Date Approved
2009
Degree Type
Open Access Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department or School
Health Sciences
Committee Member
Elizabeth Francis-Connolly, PhD, OTR, Chair
Committee Member
Erich Jensen, BS
Abstract
Clinical research conduct and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) implementation are influenced by local culture. This study examines the experiences of 26 clinical research personnel in Malawi, Africa, in order to define relevant issues, identify solutions, and give voice to local investigators. Qualitative, semi-structured interviews were conducted, audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed. Six themes, related to cultural determinants, emerged: 1) communitybased decision-making, 2) illiteracy, 3) patient identifiers, 4) local myths and misconceptions, 5) poverty and disease, and 6) barriers to teamwork. Findings revealed that: 1) Malawians are best at identifying local solutions, 2) operations research is needed 3) greater networking and communication is essential, 4) regulatory requirements should be harmonized, 5) Malawi has made significant progress toward GCP implementation, 6) a ―one-size-fits-all‖ approach to GCP does not work, and 7) Malawians who are engaged in clinical research should be consulted and empowered.
Recommended Citation
Schmidt, Joann Jeanne, "Cultural determinants affect implementation of good clinical practice (GCP) in human research studies in Malawi, Africa" (2009). Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations. 274.
https://commons.emich.edu/theses/274