Sex Disparities in Cardiovascular Device Evaluations: Strategies for Recruitment and Retention of Female Patients in Clinical Device Trials

Abstract

Women have historically been underrepresented in clinical trials evaluating cardiovascular devices. Existing initiatives through government agencies have made some progress, but contemporary rates of female clinical trial participation leave much room for improvement. This position paper provides a narrative review and investigates reasons for the underrepresentation of women in cardiovascular trials. The observed differences in safety and/or effectiveness of devices in women warrant a campaign to increase their trial participation with the aim of better understanding and improving outcomes. The authors propose a multifaceted approach to increasing female enrollment through the development of a national public awareness and education campaign aimed to inform women, clinician-providers, and clinical research personnel of these differences. Finally, the authors visit some barriers relevant to women and recommend ways to facilitate their participation in clinical trials through multistakeholder engagement.

Keywords: cardiovascular devices; cardiovascular disease; clinical trials; coronary artery disease; female; intervention; women.