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Improving Ethnic Diversity in Cancer Trials Through Healthcare Interpreter Training
Suzanne J Grant1, Mayra Ouriques2, Abhijit Pal3,4,5
1NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith South, DC New South Wales, Australia.
Cancer Medicine
|August 1, 2025
Summary
Healthcare interpreter training significantly improved knowledge and confidence in cancer clinical trials, addressing a key barrier for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) patients. This enhances equitable access to vital cancer research opportunities.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Trials and Oncology Research
- Health Equity and Access
- Medical Interpreting and Communication
Background:
- Patients with cancer from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds face significant barriers in accessing clinical trials due to language and cultural differences.
- Inequitable access to clinical trials exacerbates cancer outcome disparities for CALD populations and reduces research validity.
- Lack of specialized training for healthcare interpreters (HCIs) in cancer clinical trials terminology is a recognized barrier to patient access.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the knowledge and skill gaps among HCIs regarding cancer clinical trials.
- To build workforce capacity for interpreters to better serve CALD patients in clinical trial settings.
- To improve the quality of interpreting services for cancer clinical trials.
Main Methods:
- A two-phase quality improvement project involving a baseline knowledge survey and subsequent training modules.
- Phase 1: Subject matter experts and managers co-developed a survey to identify knowledge gaps among approximately 700 NSW HCIs.
- Phase 2: Training modules covering clinical trial concepts, governance, ethics, phases, informed consent, and interpreter roles were delivered; pre- and post-training surveys assessed learning.
Main Results:
- 133 interpreters responded to the initial survey, revealing limited clinical trial interpreting experience (34% never interpreted for a trial) and a mean knowledge accuracy of 68%.
- Key knowledge gaps identified in randomization, trial phases, governance, ethics, and sponsors.
- Post-training, mean knowledge accuracy increased from 74% to 91%, and confidence in understanding terminology rose from 20% to 62% among 92 trained interpreters.
Conclusions:
- Training significantly improved HCIs' knowledge and confidence in cancer clinical trial principles and terminology.
- The developed training modules enhance interpreter competency, facilitating better service delivery to CALD individuals in clinical trials.
- Online availability of training modules aims for statewide access; future evaluation should assess the impact on CALD trial participation.
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