Clinical trial diversity remains a major issue in the health equity space, despite racial and ethnic minorities making up almost half of the US population. Researchers at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and College of Medicine partnered with several organizations to engage with almost 450 community members in 25 states and five countries to seek to find solutions to address this challenge.
They conducted a study leading to a four-part webinar series that discussed solutions for advancing health equity through diversifying clinical trials and addressing medical mistrust in communities.
The researchers found that barriers to clinical trial participation fell into the four key themes of access, awareness, discrimination and racism, and workforce diversity.
Solutions included transportation vouchers, extending clinic hours, educating patients, hiring racially and ethnically diverse staff, and ensuring cultural competence.
Funding for the study was provided by various organizations, including the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Genentech and Pfizer.
