Consent administrator training to reduce disparities in research participation

Abstract

Purpose: The aims for this paper are to summarize the current state of disparities in clinical research participation, discuss regulatory and interpersonal causes for these disparities, and to suggest an approach to address this problem by standardized training for consent administrators.

Organizing construct: A program based on the Precede-Proceed model for training consent administrators is proposed and described.

Conclusions: The current process for informed consent for research is unstandardized and inadequate, and may contribute to racial and ethnic disparities. Researchers are urged to consider a formal training program for members of their research teams who will be obtaining participants' consent.

Clinical relevance: An educational program for consent administrators may help to reduce disparities in research participation by improving communication between research staff and potential participants.