Photo Credit: PeopleImages

The following is a summary of “Provider experiences with and attitudes about an embedded pragmatic clinical trial,” published in the April 2025 issue of BMC Primary Care by Leatherman et al. 

The diuretic comparison project (DCP) compared cardiovascular event rates between hydrochlorothiazide and chlorthalidone in veterans aged 65 and older. VA primary care providers (PCPs) participated in the trial, assessing their experiences and attitudes toward embedded pragmatic trials. 

Researchers conducted a retrospective study comparing cardiovascular event rates between hydrochlorothiazide and chlorthalidone in veterans aged 65 and older, with VA primary care providers surveyed on their experiences and attitudes towards embedded pragmatic trials. 

They emailed a questionnaire to PCPs who provided informed consent to participate. The survey assessed provider experience with the trial, including interest in the study question, awareness of the study and educational materials, impact on the provider-patient relationship, burden of participation, and attitudes towards pragmatic trials. Respondents could also add free text comments. 

The results showed that 180 surveys were completed. Most providers found the trial question of interest (91%) and considered the time required for participation reasonable (67%). Only 2 (1%) felt the study negatively impacted the provider-patient relationship. 97% of providers were as comfortable (59%) or more comfortable (32%) with DCP compared to traditional randomized controlled trials. 

Investigators reported positive experiences with DCP and favorable attitudes towards pragmatic trials. Providers expressed willingness to participate in future trials if the burden was low and patient care was not negatively impacted. 

Source: bmcprimcare.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12875-025-02799-w