Breaking the Barriers of Recruitment for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Populations to MRI Clinical Trials in...

Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) populations are under-represented in clinical trials due to language barriers. This is significant in radiotherapy (RT), where magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is increasingly used for RT planning. The study's primary aim was to assess whether the provision of educational materials in the preferred language improved willingness to participate in RT MRI clinical trials. Secondary aims included identification of other barriers.

A prospective, non-randomized, two-arm study was conducted. Participants were allocated based on standard clinical pathway to either Arm A (eligible for an MRI clinical trial and undergoing MRI as part of RT) or Arm B (not requiring MRI as part of RT). Participants received translated educational materials in their preferred language. Pre- and post-intervention surveys assessed willingness to participate in clinical trials and perceived barriers.

A total of 92 participants (43% Arabic, 56% Vietnamese) were recruited. Willingness to participate in trials increased significantly following the intervention (Arm A: p = 0.04, OR 5 [95% CI 1.1, 46.9]; Arm B: p = 0.008, OR 5 [1.4, 26.9]). Belief that clinical trials improve future cancer treatments increased significantly in Arm B (p = 0.01, OR 10 [1.4, 434]). Prior to the intervention, 45% of Arabic- and 64% of Vietnamese-speaking participants had not received trial information in their language. Most participants reported increased confidence following the intervention, with fewer citing lack of MRI and trial information as barriers.

Providing culturally and linguistically tailored educational materials represents a scalable, low-resource strategy to improve equity in access to MRI-based clinical trial information and support inclusive research participation in oncology.