The project IMPACT experience to date: increasing minority participation and awareness of clinical trials

This study evaluated activities of Project IMPACT (Increase Minority Participation and Awareness of Clinical Trials), a National Medical Association (NMA) project chartered to identify ways to increase minority physician and patient involvement in clinical trials. Project IMPACT included physician education and training workshops, establishment of a physician-investigator database and other activities to facilitate minority-physician clinical trial participation.

A descriptive survey was used. The survey was distributed to 542 African-American physicians. Physicians were queried about prior involvement in clinical research, barriers and facilitators to clinical trial participation by patients and physicians, and perceptions regarding Project IMPACT.

Two-hundred physicians responded to the survey. Common practice characteristics were self-employment (51%), solo practice (39%) and office based (58%). Prior involvement in clinical trials was generally low. Barriers to participation included lack of awareness of clinical trial opportunities and lack of resources to conduct clinical trials. However, most respondents had referred patients to clinical trials. Project IMPACT participants who responded were highly satisfied with the project.

Minority physicians are interested in participating in clinical trials. However, multiple barriers, including lack of awareness and lack of access to clinical research coordinators, continue to exist and must be addressed. Clinical trials training programs alone are not enough.