Recruiting patients to increase diversity & inclusion in clinical trials: one size does not fit all

More so now than ever, the inclusion of more diverse, and often more relevant, study populations is gathering momentum within the clinical trial community.

From calls for more diversity in age, gender, and ethnic groups, to more consideration for lifestyle and cultural differences, trials need to ensure they represent the key population of interest and identify a greater range of opportunities to maximise benefits for both patients and pharma.

Seth Nelson, senior director, Patient Recruitment Solutions at ICON, stresses that pharma needs to proactively encourage inclusion and diversity across clinical trials, from trial planning and protocol development to patient recruitment and education.

Effectively, the detail and the differences matter. “Across the spectrum, optimum outcomes will only be achieved by drawing on patients’ cultural, geographical and everyday influences,” he points out.

• Read the full article in pharmaphorum's Deep Dive digital magazine