How are companies working to increase diversity in clinical trials and protect those who participate?
The biopharmaceutical industry acknowledges past wrongdoings and continues to develop and put in place measures that close gaps in clinical trial representation and ensure firm patient protections across diverse populations.
Below are some of their latest efforts:
- Companies are committed to community outreach programs. These programs aim to build and earn trust and boost awareness of clinical trial opportunities, which can directly address recruitment and enrollment of diverse clinical trial populations.
- Companies are supporting and partnering with health and community advocacy groups to provide understandable and useful information about clinical trials and what opportunities are available for patients and their families.
- Companies are working in partnership with medical professionals in underserved communities to increase diverse participation in clinical trials.
- Companies are reducing barriers to participation, including visit schedules, location, and finances. That includes more flexible scheduling and use of mobile tools that can collect data virtually.
- Companies are putting together protocols that clearly define the intended treatments, study designs, enrollment populations, and guaranteed patient protections.
Why is diversity important in clinical trials?
There are government, faith-based and community advocacy organizations that provide detailed information about clinical trials and why diversity matters...
Are there disease specific clinical trial resources?
Many patient advocacy groups and medical research institutions provide websites to help patients find clinical trials...
Are there clinical trials set up specifically for veterans?
Yes, there are clinical trials set up for veterans. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs explains how to search for them using ClinicalTrials.gov...