Diversity in Clinical Trial Recruitment is essential for developing new medical treatments and cures. The limited pool of participants in traditional clinical trials can lead to inaccurate and biased results. In this blog post, we will explore the role of language in the recruitment process.

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Why should you care about diversity in clinical trial recruitment? 

Diversity in clinical trials is crucial for accurate and applicable results. Including participants from diverse backgrounds allows researchers to understand better how individuals and communities respond to medical treatments, leading to the development of more effective and patient-centric healthcare solutions.

Race, socioeconomic status, and gender are fundamental determinants of health. Even when reported, minority groups are consistently underrepresented. A study analyzing trials between 2015 and 2019 found that nearly 80 percent of participants were white, while only 45 percent were women. This underrepresentation exacerbates healthcare disparities, making it essential to include individuals from underrepresented communities in clinical trials. By ensuring equal access to trials, we provide everyone with an opportunity to benefit from cutting-edge medical advancements.

How language can help boost diversity in clinical trial recruitment?

Language Diversity and plain language

Providing language translation services is crucial for ensuring language accessibility and promoting effective communAll communications directed towards participants and potential participants must bepants are in a language they understand. This may involve translating materials for participants in different countries or who do not speak English. Additionally, even in English, it is important to present information clearly and in plain language. By offering translation services, Language Service Providers (LSPs) create an inclusive environment that encourages individuals from diverse linguistic backgrounds to participate in clinical trials.

To ensure successful recruitment, it is vital that individuals fully comprehend the procedures they are agreeing to. A language barrier or poor translation can jeopardize their willingness to participate. Educating potential participants about the benefits of clinical trial involvement is therefore essential. By providing accurate and accessible information about the potential impact of their participation, we can address concerns, dispel myths, and encourage individuals to consider joining clinical trials.

When it comes to translating clinical trial materials, it is crucial to engage specialized professionals who have expertise in the life sciences industry. They must understand the source documents and be skilled in simplifying the language to make it more accessible to the public. This is particularly important for patient-facing documents such as Informed Consent Forms. Even English speakers may struggle with understanding complex medical terminology, and the difficulty is amplified for individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP).

Non-biased language

In addition to language accessibility, it is important to consider language biases in clinical trial recruitment. Diversity and inclusion should be integral to all aspects of the trial, including the language used in recruitment materials and communications. Naturalized expressions or conditioned phrasings may unintentionally introduce biases. By being mindful of these language biases and using inclusive and non-sexist language, we can improve participant engagement.

So, in other to plan a more diverse clinical trial recruitment process, you should consider:

• Language diversity
• Plain language and accessible information
• Inclusive and non-sexist language 

By prioritizing language diversity, plain language, and inclusive communication, you have a unique opportunity to contribute to the diversification of clinical trial recruitment. Increased diversity leads to more accurate results, greater accessibility to medical advancements, and progress toward health equity.

Find an ally to improve diversity in clinical trial recruitment

Partner with an LSP to ensure that clinical trials reflect the diversity of the populations they aim to benefit. If that’s what you are looking for, we are here to support you.

Contact us today to learn more about how our language services can assist you in achieving your goals. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on the future of medical research and ensure equal access to healthcare for all.