Strategies to Enhance Representation in Clinical Trials

This white paper discusses strategies to enhance representation in clinical trials, addressing the critical issue of underrepresentation of certain population groups. It outlines various barriers that hinder optimal participation, including mistrust in medical institutions, logistical and socioeconomic challenges, and systemic barriers that exclude rural and underserved communities. The paper emphasizes the importance of understanding the cultural, socioeconomic, and demographic landscapes of target audiences to improve recruitment efforts. It also highlights the potential of electronic informed consent (eConsent) and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to facilitate participation from diverse populations. The paper presents a case study on sickle cell disease trials, illustrating the need for tailored approaches to engage underrepresented groups effectively. The conclusion stresses the necessity of building trust and addressing logistical challenges to dismantle obstacles preventing participation, ultimately aiming for inclusive, patient-centered research that promotes health equity.