Community Health Centers could play a crucial role in increasing diversity among clinical trial participants and advancing health equity, according to a new report by the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) and the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions.
The survey of 226 health center CEOs revealed that 87% are either currently conducting research or interested in doing so in the future. However, 94% cited time or workforce constraints as major barriers, while 81% pointed to lack of funding.
As the nation’s largest primary care network serving 31.5 million patients, many of whom are from underrepresented communities, Community Health Centers are uniquely positioned to help address the long-standing issue of lack of diversity in medical research. Equitable and inclusive research is essential for narrowing health disparities.
The report calls for systemic changes across the U.S. clinical research system, including providing resources, building dedicated staff, encouraging patient participation, and fostering collaboration between traditional research institutions and communities. Rebuilding trust with underrepresented populations is also seen as critical.
By tapping into the potential of Community Health Centers, researchers hope to broaden participation, strengthen research infrastructure, and ultimately improve patient outcomes, particularly for those who have historically been left out of clinical studies.
“New Report Finds Community Health Centers May Be Key to Improving Diversity in Clinical Research and Helping to Advance Health Equity” (May 30, 2024)
