Abbott Publishes New Strategies to Improve DE&I in Clinical Research as Part of Diversity in Clinical Trials Initiative

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As part of its three-year, multi-million-dollar Diversity in Clinical Trials initiative, Abbott has published 'Advancing Diversity in Clinical Trials' to share strategies around increasing diversity in clinical research throughout the US. Additionally, Abbott has revealed new partnerships to continue driving diversity in clinical trials through its initiative.¹

Abbott’s new paper has also been published in TIME Magazine. It features experiences and insights from nearly 100 experts in the field, including academic researchers, physicians, advocacy groups, clinical trialists, and experts within Abbott. The paper dives into four key barriers to accessing clinical trials: lack of trust, lack of transparency, lack of access, and lack of a common language. A number of key recommendations for addressing these barriers are highlighted, including:

• Researchers should consider implementing inclusive hiring and study design practices to ensure patients see themselves reflected in the care team and staff running the clinical trial.
• Industry sponsors should deploy educational campaigns that clearly explain basic trial information and medical terms to increase understanding of clinical trials, the disease state and the need for a new treatment.
• Study design should allow for at-home devices to help patients log data remotely when possible to minimize the need for travel to in-person follow up visits.
• Researchers should ensure multi-lingual materials and translation services are available to all prospective patients.

In a press release, Danielle Bajakian, MD, Columbia University Irving Medical Center said, "Clinical trials are the cornerstone of medical progress and they must reflect the diversity of the population they aim to serve. Abbott's insightful publication provides recommended strategies based on years of research and analysis that will help ensure adequate representation in clinical trials across diverse demographics. Ultimately, I need to be able to look my patients in the eye and say this treatment has been studied on patients like them, and this is why we should be using this therapy."

Abbott continues to expand its Diversity in Clinical Trials initiative with the announcement of new partnerships. With the addition of a new website, www.abbottclinicaltrials.com, Abbott has engaged the Center for Information and Study on Clinical Research Participation (CISCRP) to develop materials for the website around clinical trial awareness, communication with participants, and more.

Abbott has also partnered with the National Blood Clot Alliance to launch a first-of-its-kind diverse Patient Advisory Panel. This program will ensure participants’ feedback in the trial design process with the goal of optimizing enrollment, retention, and patient experience among diverse populations.

"Much of the medical information we have today is based on clinical research that doesn't include enough women and other underrepresented groups," Jennifer Jones-McMeans, PhD, divisional vice president of global clinical affairs for Abbott's vascular business, co-lead of Abbott's Diversity in Research Office, and one of the authors of 'Advancing Diversity in Clinical Trials,' said in the press release. "The recommendations in this new publication provide a roadmap to ensure a more inclusive healthcare system for everyone."

Reference

1. Abbott Unveils New Recommendations and Partnerships to Improve Diversity in Clinical Trials. News release. Abbott. November 19, 2024. Accessed November 21, 2024. https://abbott.mediaroom.com/press-releases?item=124679