Microlecture 011: How To Recruit Multi-Ethnic Patients Into Clinical Research

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When you look at most research studies, you will often find a common trend– most of the study participants are mainstream patients. Few patients from minority communities enroll in research studies. The reasons for this are many and complex.

All stakeholders have implicit biases. The researchers may feel that patients from communities of color are unlikely to enroll in their study and so do not want to spend a lot of time recruiting them. Persons from communities of color may feel that researchers are not to be trusted. They may worry that they are being experimented upon.

In thinking about this issue, I feel that most large studies are publicly funded i.e. funded by NIH from our tax dollars. If we do not participate in the studies, then the results may be less relevant in the future for our specific ethnic group or population– or we may be in the dark about specific effects and side effects of common medications and important interventions in certain groups.

There is just one way for all cultural groups to shape research and to reap the full benefits of research findings and that is if we participate in the research protocols to the extent we can.

In examining most research studies, a common trend emerges—mainly mainstream patients participate, while ethnic patients are underrepresented. The reasons for this phenomenon are multifaceted. All stakeholders involved hold implicit biases. Researchers may presume that patients from communities of color are unlikely to enroll, leading to limited recruitment efforts. Conversely, individuals from these communities may distrust researchers and fear they are being subjected to experimentation.

When contemplating this issue, it becomes apparent that most large studies are publicly funded, primarily through sources like the NIH, supported by tax dollars. If these diverse groups do not actively participate, research results may become less relevant for their specific ethnic populations. Additionally, there may be limited knowledge regarding the specific effects and side effects of common medications and vital interventions within certain ethnic groups.

A consensus emerges that active participation in research protocols is the most effective way for all cultural groups to influence research and fully benefit from research findings. By actively engaging in research, communities of color can help ensure that future medical advancements remain pertinent and effective for their populations

Watch the video to learn more about this topic.
VJ Periyakoil, MD, Stanford University School of Medicine.

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