DEI Special Edition Spring / Summer 2024
• Financial and Logistical Barriers: Planning without committed ac- tion may neglect the financial and logistical barriers that block di- verse participation. Implementing strategies to address these barri- ers, such as providing financial incentives and ensuring accessibility, requires tangible commitment from stakeholders. • Cultural Competence Training: Mere planning may overlook the importance of cultural competence training for research teams. To effectively engage diverse populations, researchers need training on cultural nuances and sensitivities, which demands active implemen- tation beyond the planning stage. • Patient - Centric Approach: A shift towards a patient - centric ap- proach necessitates action, not just planning. Involving patients in the design and execution of trials requires a commitment to chang- ing the traditional researcher - centric model, emphasizing the need for tangible steps towards inclusivity. • Regulatory Oversight and Accountability: Planning initiatives may fail without robust regulatory oversight and accountability. Regula- tory bodies play a pivotal role in ensuring that research stakeholders adhere to inclusive practices. Establishing clear expectations and outcomes is essential for driving meaningful change. • Transparent Reporting: A gap often exists between planning and actual transparency in reporting. Accountability should be estab- lished for transparently reporting the demographic composition of clinical trial participants, showcasing research commitment to rep- resentative participation and robust scientific processes. POTENTIAL ACTION ITEMS: Addressing the lack of diversity in clinical trials will require a multi - stakeholder approach, including regulatory guidance, funding initiatives, study design con- siderations and community engagement. Some potential solutions to address the lack of diversity in clinical trials include: • Widening Eligibility Criteria: Expanding eligibility criteria can help include a more diverse population in clinical trials, ensuring that the results are more generalizable. • Community - Based Medical Centers: Engaging with community - based medical centers can help reach underrepresented popula- tions and increase their participation in clinical trials. • Using Technology: Leveraging technology, such as telemedicine, remote monitoring, wearable health devices, online platforms and social media can make clinical trials more accessible to diverse pop- ulations. Data analytics can help researchers identify and under- stand requirements of underrepresented populations, enabling more effective recruitment strategies. • Connecting with Patient Advocacy Groups: Collaborating with pa- tient advocacy groups can help raise awareness and encourage di- verse participation in clinical trials.
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