Minority Patient-Centered Education Initiative to Increase Knowledge About Clinical Trials: A Pilot Study

Racial and ethnic minority populations remain underrepresented in clinical trials because of restrictive eligibility criteria, systemic inequities, bias, and patient-level barriers. Educational interventions may improve awareness and participation, yet culturally tailored video-based approaches remain underused.

We developed three brief culturally tailored educational videos about clinical trials in thoracic oncology for Black patients (English) and Hispanic/Latino patients (English and Spanish). Eligible patients were aged 18 years or older, had stage I to IV lung cancer, had Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group 0-2, self-identified as Black or Hispanic/Latino, and were proficient in English or Spanish. Participants completed prevideo and postvideo surveys evaluating knowledge, attitudes, and willingness to participate. Feasibility was assessed by recruitment, survey completion, and satisfaction. Acceptability, attitudes, and willingness were measured with brief surveys. Clinical trial enrollment within 1 year was also evaluated.

From April to September 2024, 54 patients were approached and 30 (56%) enrolled; all completed the prevideo and postvideo surveys. More than 90% reported high satisfaction. Mean knowledge scores improved (P < .001), including understanding of preclinical studies (P = .012), placebo use (P = .001), and clinical trial registration (P = .012). More than 90% agreed that clinical trials are useful and important for drug development and improved outcomes. Barriers persisted in approximately half of the participants, including concerns about consent complexity, random assignment, costs, and provider communication. Willingness to participate increased (P = .04). Within 1 year, 17 patients (57%) had a trial available and eight (47% of eligible; 27% overall) enrolled.

Culturally and linguistically tailored educational videos were feasible, acceptable, and associated with improved knowledge and willingness to participate. Larger studies are needed to determine whether integrating such interventions can increase minority enrollment in thoracic oncology trials.