Table 2 Frequency of conduct of various “best practice” activities across veterinary institutions in North America. Respondents were asked to quantify what percent of the time an investigator at their institution would perform a specific task with respect to study design or conduct. Number indicates percentage of respondents selecting each frequency

Conduct a feasibility analysis of any type

18.1

27.3

9.1

45.5

0

Consider disease frequency in the general veterinary population

36.4

54.6

0

9.1

0

Consider disease frequency Hospital or program-specific caseload

45.5

45.5

4.5

4.5

0

Consider existing treatment patterns or guidelines

36.4

45.5

0

18.2

0

Consider availability of alternative drugs or treatments

18.2

54.5

0

27.3

0

Consider presence of competing trials within the hospital

23.8

33.3

9.5

28.6

4.8

Consider presence of competing trials within the geographical region

0

23.7

4.6

59.1

13.6

Complete a sample size determination prior to initiating a study

27.3

40.9

9.1

18.2

4.6

Use an electronic laboratory note book or study record for clinical data capture

9.1

18.2

13.6

54.6

4.6

Complete a formal GCP training program prior to initiation of their first clinical trial

13.6

0

4.6

63.6

18.2

Complete a formal RCR training program prior to initiation of their first clinical trial

36.4

27.3

9.1

27.3

0

Complete formal budget training program prior to initiation of their first clinical trial

0

4.6

4.6

45.5

45.5

Complete a formal grants management training program prior to initiation of their first clinical trial

0

0

4.6

54.6

41.0

Read and/or sign a PI agreement dealing with the Institution’s policies procedures and expectations for investigators participating in veterinary clinical research

9.1

9.1

4.6

40.9

36.4

Utilize a data safety monitoring committee or similar entity

13.6

4.6

0

54.6

27.3