For Black American communities, health care research hasn’t always been fair. Historically, Black people have been underrepresented in clinical trials, which are studies testing new medications and treatments. This lack of representation means new drugs and therapies might not be adequately tested for their effectiveness and safety in Black populations.
There are several reasons why Black people may not participate in clinical trials as often as others. Social factors like financial strain and limited access to health care can create barriers. Additionally, a history of mistreatment by the medical system can lead to distrust.
A New Tool for Change
A new approach is emerging to address this critical issue. The Equitable Breakthroughs in Medicine (EQBMED) program has developed a Site Maturity Model. This tool assesses a health care site’s readiness to conduct clinical trials that are more inclusive of Black communities.
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Here’s how the Site Maturity Model works
It considers three key areas:
- Organizational factors: Leadership commitment, resources, and infrastructure needed to run diverse clinical trials. This includes having staff members who understand the unique needs of Black communities and can build trust with potential participants.
- Community engagement: Building trust and partnerships with Black communities to encourage participation. This involves going beyond simply recruiting participants and instead fostering long-term relationships with community organizations and leaders. By working together, researchers and community members can co-design studies that address the specific health concerns of Black neighborhoods.
- Clinical trial operations: The site’s ability to efficiently manage trials with a diverse range of participants. This includes having flexible scheduling options, culturally sensitive communication materials, and transparent protocols to address any potential concerns participants might have.
Benefits for Black Communities
Increased participation in clinical trials means several positive outcomes for Black communities:
- A stronger voice: Black people will have a greater say in shaping health care research. This can lead to research priorities that reflect the health concerns that matter most to Black communities, such as addressing racial disparities in cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
- More representative trials: Treatments will be tested on populations that reflect the real world, ensuring effectiveness and safety for Black patients. Currently, many medications and treatments haven’t been thoroughly studied in Black populations, which can lead to unforeseen side effects or reduced efficacy.
- Building trust: Positive experiences with clinical trials can lead to better overall health outcomes for Black communities. Trust in the medical system is crucial for preventative care and adherence to treatment plans. By participating in research that is designed with their needs in mind, Black communities can develop a more positive relationship with the health care system.
The EQBMED Site Maturity Model is still developing, but early results are promising. As the model is used by more health care sites, it has the potential to significantly increase Black participation in clinical trials. This can lead to a future where clinical research is truly equitable and benefits everyone.
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What You Can Do
- Talk with friends, family, and health care providers to raise awareness about the importance of clinical trial diversity.
- Look for opportunities to participate in clinical trials that are relevant to your health concerns. Many hospitals and universities list ongoing clinical trials on their websites. You can also use resources like BDO’s Clinical Trials Resource Center to find trials that are a good fit for Black people specifically.
- Advocate for policies that support increased diversity in clinical research. Contact your elected officials and urge them to support funding for programs that promote clinical trial diversity. You can also join advocacy groups that are working to address racial disparities in health care research.
