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Published on: September 20, 2019
Clinical Trials for Special Populations: Children, Older Adults, and Rare Diseases
Robert M Jacobson1, Robert J Pignolo2, Konstantinos N Lazaridis3
1Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine and Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
Insights
Maximizing population health requires inclusive clinical trials for special populations like children, older adults, and rare disease patients. Ethical considerations and innovative trial designs are crucial for equitable health outcomes and reducing disparities.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Research
- Public Health
- Health Equity
Background:
- Population health improvement necessitates inclusive research practices.
- Special populations (children, older adults, rare diseases) require tailored clinical trial approaches.
- Ethical conduct in research with vulnerable groups is paramount.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review US regulations for clinical trials involving special populations.
- To identify unique challenges and ethical issues in pediatric, geriatric, and rare disease research.
- To explore innovative trial designs and strategies for enhancing generalizability and reducing health disparities.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of US research regulations.
- Analysis of challenges and ethical considerations in clinical trials for special populations.
- Examination of strategies for improving generalizability and community engagement.
Main Results:
- Special populations present distinct challenges in clinical trial design and execution.
- Adherence to ethical principles is critical when involving vulnerable participants.
- Innovative approaches and community engagement can improve trial generalizability and reduce disparities.
Conclusions:
- Inclusive clinical trial practices are essential for advancing population health.
- Addressing the unique needs of children, older adults, and rare disease patients is vital.
- Enhanced generalizability and community involvement are key to reducing health disparities.
Abstract:
Research cannot maximize population health unless it improves health for all members of the public, including special populations such as children, older adults, and people living with rare diseases. Each of these categories require special considerations when planning and performing clinical trials, and common threads of ethical conduct of research in vulnerable populations appear throughout. In this review, definitions of each of the three categories of special population (children, older adults, and rare diseases) are discussed in terms of US research regulations, the unique challenges to conducting clinical trials for these special populations, critical ethical issues, and opportunities for innovative ways to design and operationalize clinical trials in special populations. Additional critical attention is focused on factors that influence the generalizability of study results to reduce health disparities, as well as the importance of community engagement and advocacy groups that can help to educate potential trial participants of the benefits of clinical trial participation.
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