Building Trust: Overcoming Barriers To Clinical Trial Diversity

By Rita Yankyera, Assistant Medical Director, Elligo Health Research®

Examine the critical issue of underrepresentation of minority groups in clinical trials, highlighting the systemic barriers and historical mistrust that contribute to this disparity. The FDA's recent mandate for diversity action plans in Phase III trials aims to ensure that clinical data reflects the demographics most impacted by specific diseases, which is essential for assessing treatment efficacy across diverse populations and promoting equitable healthcare access.

Key barriers to participation include mistrust of the medical system, logistical challenges, insufficient healthcare provider engagement, and institutional constraints. To combat these issues, initiatives at Elligo Health Research focus on embedding research within local communities, utilizing culturally competent teams, providing reasonable compensation, raising awareness, and implementing hybrid and decentralized trial models. These strategies aim to build trust, enhance participation, and cultivate a more inclusive research environment, ultimately contributing to equitable healthcare advancements and reducing health disparities.