A new study from Cedars-Sinai demonstrates that culturally sensitive recruitment strategies and advanced digital tools can significantly improve racial and ethnic diversity in clinical trials. The research, published in the Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities, outlines how investigators successfully addressed low participation rates of non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic patients in a National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded trial focused on virtual reality for chronic lower back pain.
Overcoming Barriers to Participation
Traditional recruitment methods often fail to reach diverse communities, prompting researchers to explore new approaches. "Traditional recruitment strategies have not been effective in reaching these communities," said Lindsey Ross, MD, assistant professor of Neurosurgery at Cedars-Sinai and first author of the study. Focus groups were conducted with Black and Hispanic patients to identify concerns and preferences, revealing barriers such as mistrust, lack of interest, cultural differences, and ineffective communication.
Tailoring Recruitment Strategies
Based on the insights gained, the research team revised their recruitment materials to be more culturally responsive. This included updating language, imagery, and outreach methods. Advanced digital tools were also employed to scan electronic medical records and micro-target eligible Black and Hispanic patients for the trial.
Significant Improvement in Recruitment
The implemented changes led to a significant increase in recruitment. Hispanic participant recruitment more than quadrupled, and Black participant recruitment showed a notable upward trend. These results underscore the potential of culturally adapted recruitment strategies and digital targeting tools in enhancing clinical trial diversity.
Implications for Future Research
Dr. Ross emphasized that these findings offer actionable insights for researchers aiming to bridge the gap in clinical trial representation of diverse communities. By addressing specific barriers and tailoring recruitment efforts, clinical trials can better reflect the populations they aim to serve, leading to more equitable and effective healthcare outcomes.
