Institute for Health Policy Studies

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Clinical Trials Network (CTN) is intended to test promising drug abuse treatment models in multisite clinical trials and to support adoption of new interventions into clinical practice. Using qualitative research methods we asked the following question: how might the technology of multisite clinical trials be modified to better support adoption of tested interventions? A total of 42 participants, representing eight organizational levels ranging from clinic staff to clinical trial leaders, were interviewed about their role in the clinical trial, its interactions with clinics, and intervention adoption. Among eight clinics participating in the clinical trial, we found adoption of the tested intervention in one clinic only. Analysis of interview data revealed four conceptual themes likely to affect adoption and may be informative in future multisite clinical trials. Planning for adoption in the early stages of protocol development will better serve the aim of integrating new interventions into practice.