Over the past few years, we have learned more about how COVID-19 and other infectious diseases are affecting populations around the world.  Since 2021, it is apparent that there is a disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on members of the Black community. Given the recent increase in attention to the topic of clinical research in the wake of the pandemic, it is important, now more than ever, for people of color to talk to their healthcare providers about the possibility of participating in clinical trials.

Why diversity in clinical trials matters

Over the years, clinical studies of various disciplines have shown the disturbing trend that women and people of color are not receiving the same level of care and experiencing worse outcomes at higher rates when compared to white males.

According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Black Americans are 30 percent more likely to die from heart disease than White people. However, in the area of cardiovascular research, the American Heart Association reports that despite an increasingly diverse U.S. population, clinical trials evaluating new medical and device therapies for cardiovascular disease have historically enrolled a disproportionately low number of women and minorities.

Because data from clinical trials often guides treatment decisions, participants in clinical trials should represent the patients who will either use or be treated by these medical advancements. Studies have shown that people of different ages, races, and ethnicities, may react differently to medical products. If people of color are not included in these studies, then they are being left out of the decisions being made that support the safety and effectiveness of a treatment option.

What you can do immediately

Get familiar with your health

Becoming well-versed in your own health is the first and most effective step to influencing medical outcomes, including your own. Research shows that those who take a proactive approach to their health generally fare better than those who do not. Arm yourself with knowledge about your medical condition, risk factors, symptoms and available treatment options.

Ask your doctor

If you are dealing with a medical condition, during your next visit, you can ask your physician about potential clinical trials for which you may qualify. Participation might provide access to cutting-edge treatments and ensure your condition will be closely monitored. You can also search for clinical trials by visiting BlackDoctor.org’s Clinical Trial Resource Center.

Find Advocates

Your medical team is your best resource, particularly as they know your medical history. Additionally, there are a lot of patient and clinical trial advocacy groups that can provide you with information about how clinical trials work, what considerations you should know about clinical trial participation and available discussion guides that can help you talk to your doctor about current research opportunities.

One initiative addressing this issue is the Boston Scientific Close the Gap program. This initiative aims to help eliminate cardiovascular care disparities by connecting people to resources and educational materials regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status or sexual identity. The goal is to help all patients understand their medical condition and the therapies available to help them live better lives. This includes broadening clinical trial enrollment. More information can be found at www.fightforhealthequity.com.

Clinical trials make medical advances possible and diverse volunteers are needed to ensure treatments are safe and work for everyone. Through your participation, you can influence better health outcomes for yourself, your family and your community for generations to come.