Increasing Diversity in Clinical Trials: Overcoming Critical Barriers

Area of Science:

• Clinical trial research
• Health equity
• Participant diversity

Background:

• Clinical trial data are essential for drug safety and efficacy evaluation.
• Population subgroups may exhibit differential responses to treatments based on various factors.
• Underrepresentation of racial and ethnic minorities in clinical trials persists, hindering generalizability of findings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate barriers affecting minority patient participation in clinical trials.
• To develop and test potential solutions for enhancing trial diversity through stakeholder input.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and evaluation of existing data.
• Input gathered from diverse stakeholders: minority patients, referring physicians, minority-serving physicians, and trial coordinators.
• Application of the transtheoretical model of behavior change to identify resonant solutions.
• Development of a communications message map for a multistakeholder approach.

Main Results:

• Identified key themes and barriers impacting minority patient willingness to participate.
• Validated potential solutions across different stakeholder groups.
• Developed a communication strategy to address identified barriers.

Conclusions:

• Addressing underrepresentation requires understanding patient and provider perspectives.
• A multistakeholder communication approach is crucial for overcoming participation barriers.
• Improving clinical trial diversity is essential for equitable healthcare outcomes.