Health Equity In Clinical Trials

Hispanic, African American, and Asian communities make up only 11%, 8%, and 6% of clinical trial participants, respectively, largely due to generational mistrust. To bridge this gap, sponsors can build trust with underserved populations through authentic engagement, like amplifying minority patient voices via video. This was the approach in a recent project for Merck & Co., where Jumo Health partnered with the I Choose Life Foundation (ICLF) to highlight the experiences of diverse former clinical trial participants.

The project produced three personal stories and a roundtable discussion, where participants shared candid insights in a comfortable, supportive setting. These study-agnostic videos are versatile, allowing Merck to use them across different trials and corporate DE&I initiatives. In line with recent FDA guidance for greater diversity in clinical trials, this series has helped Merck foster credibility and trust within minority communities by showing real representation in clinical research.

The initiative’s authentic storytelling and impact earned two dotCOMM Gold Awards for Healthcare Video and Video Series, recognizing the vision of Merck’s clinical team, Jumo Health’s creative expertise, and the courage of the patients who shared their journeys.