Let s Tackle The Hidden Real-World Reasons For Poor Clinical Trial Diversity
By Eleanor Perfetto, Ph.D., and Jeanne M. Regnante
Disparities in clinical research participation are well documented and, like broader healthcare disparities, a byproduct of systemic and institutional racism. COVID-19 vaccine and treatment development have greatly amplified the need for all communities to have the same opportunity to participate in research. To achieve better outcomes and health equity for historically underserved populations, we must address the not widely acknowledged, hidden, real-world reasons for such poor diversity in clinical trials. The importance is clear: People’s lives depend on it.