CONNECT Platform to Increase Diverse Engagement and Enrollment in Cardiovascular Clinical Research: Rationale,...

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Disease Research
• Clinical Trial Recruitment
• Health Equity

Background:

• Women and Black and Latino adults experience a high burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) but are underrepresented in research.
• The CONNECT platform was developed to address these disparities in clinical trial participation.
• A key focus is on improving trust and awareness of CVD research within these priority populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate electronic health record-informed and community-engaged recruitment strategies.
• To increase enrollment of women and Black and Latino adults in cardiovascular disease research.
• To enhance trust in and awareness of CVD research among priority populations.

Main Methods:

• Utilized community-engaged and digital approaches to recruit and engage 1000 participants.
• Provided 12 months of tailored heart health and research-related text messages.
• Connected participants to CVD research aligned with their interests, with outcomes measured by enrollment proportion and changes in awareness/trust.

Main Results:

• Identified strategies for successful community partnerships and cross-institutional collaboration.
• Developed efficient technology infrastructures and tailored educational materials.
• Facilitated researcher engagement and effective implementation of the CONNECT platform.

Conclusions:

• The CONNECT platform demonstrates potential to overcome barriers to research participation.
• It offers a model for strengthening engagement and recruitment science in clinical trials.
• Findings will inform best practices for engaging diverse populations in cardiovascular disease research.