The importance of diversity in clinical research

Abstract

Clinical research is a fundamental part of the healthcare system and is critical to improving care, making it safe and effective. Research participants should be diverse as this reduces bias and helps to better understand illness and treatment and how it affects different groups of people. However, due to health inequalities and barriers to research participation, clinical research still lacks diversity. Data from the US Food and Drug Administration showed that 76% of research participants were White and the remaining 24% were from an ethnic minority. In the UK, only 5% of ethnic minorities have ever participated in clinical trials. Recently, with the COVID-19 vaccine trials, out of 270 000 participants, only 11 000 and 1200 participants were from Asian and Black backgrounds, respectively. The research participation of under-represented groups requires co-development with community members. This proactive approach helps establish trust and enhance recruitment strategies that build a positive legacy for under-represented groups.

Keywords: Clinical research; Diversity; Ethnic minorities; Under-represented groups.