Increasing Patient Diversity In Clinical Trials

The COVID-19 pandemic has spotlighted healthcare’s biggest shortfalls. One of the most glaring problems sounds like it should be simple to resolve, but it has actually been challenging to implement — diversity in clinical trials.

Article written in early Nov. 2020

Appropriate demographic representation in clinical trials is finally in the spotlight as we reach closer to an approved vaccine. The development of safe and effective medicines is vital, but as an industry, broad changes and investments are needed to diversify clinical trials. Access must be expanded for individuals who have traditionally been underrepresented in clinical trials, while also partnering across patients to understand concerns, needs, and, most importantly, the barriers to and apprehensions of participating in clinical trials.