Brian C. Moon – January 6, 2025
The Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS) recently hosted “CEI Perspectives: Understanding Clinical Trials in Rural Communities,” a virtual event that brought together researchers, healthcare professionals, and community advocates to address limitations in clinical trial participation. This event, part of the CCTS Community Engagement Institute’s (CEI) ongoing series, focused on recruitment strategies, barriers to participation, ethical considerations, and community partnerships necessary for fostering equitable participation in clinical research.Moderated by Caroline Compretta, PhD, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research at CCTS Partner, the University of Mississippi Medical Center, the panel featured distinguished experts:
- Tiffany Mayo, MD, Associate Professor and Director of Clinical Research, UAB Dermatology
- Kimberly McCall, PhD, MPA, Assistant Professor and Biotechnology Regulatory Affairs Specialist, UAB Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences
- Tracy Flemming Tracy, OT/L, MSCS, Healthcare Inclusion Specialist at NCHPAD and Director of Research at the Tanner Foundation
Panel Discussion Highlights
Breaking Down Barriers | Panelists explored systemic barriers such as mistrust in medical research, logistical hurdles, and limited awareness of clinical trial opportunities in some communities. Dr. Mayo emphasized the importance of culturally tailored outreach programs and accessible resources. She shared examples of successful initiatives, such as community health fairs and collaborations with local organizations, that provide opportunities to educate potential participants about clinical trials in a non-clinical setting. These efforts not only increase awareness but also foster trust by meeting communities where they are.
Building Trust | Dr. Compretta highlighted the historical context of mistrust in medical research among rural populations, emphasizing that trust must be built intentionally and over time. “True partnership is not transactional—it’s transformational,” she stated. She discussed the need for long-term engagement with trusted local leaders, faith-based organizations, and grassroots advocates to create authentic connections. These partnerships help researchers understand the unique concerns of the community, which is critical to designing trials that align with community values and priorities.
Enhancing Accessibility | Dr. McCall focused on addressing logistical barriers, which are often overlooked but play a significant role in limiting participation. She highlighted the potential of decentralized clinical trial designs, which allow participants to engage in studies without frequent travel to research sites. For example, mobile health units and telehealth technologies enable researchers to collect data remotely, reducing the burden on participants. She also suggested the use of flexible scheduling and financial support for transportation and childcare, which can make participation more feasible for individuals with limited resources.
Promoting Access for All | Mrs. Tracy emphasized that access for all must be central to clinical trial design to ensure the results benefit a wide range of populations. She stressed the importance of recruiting participants who reflect the demographics of the communities most affected by the health conditions being studied. This includes considering factors such as race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, disability, and geographic location. She shared examples of how researchers can use tailored recruitment materials and collaborate with community health workers to reach rurral groups. Additionally, she advocated for creating study protocols that accommodate varying levels of health literacy to ensure all participants can fully engage with the research process.
Building Trust | Dr. Compretta highlighted the historical context of mistrust in medical research among rural populations, emphasizing that trust must be built intentionally and over time. “True partnership is not transactional—it’s transformational,” she stated. She discussed the need for long-term engagement with trusted local leaders, faith-based organizations, and grassroots advocates to create authentic connections. These partnerships help researchers understand the unique concerns of the community, which is critical to designing trials that align with community values and priorities.
Enhancing Accessibility | Dr. McCall focused on addressing logistical barriers, which are often overlooked but play a significant role in limiting participation. She highlighted the potential of decentralized clinical trial designs, which allow participants to engage in studies without frequent travel to research sites. For example, mobile health units and telehealth technologies enable researchers to collect data remotely, reducing the burden on participants. She also suggested the use of flexible scheduling and financial support for transportation and childcare, which can make participation more feasible for individuals with limited resources.
Promoting Access for All | Mrs. Tracy emphasized that access for all must be central to clinical trial design to ensure the results benefit a wide range of populations. She stressed the importance of recruiting participants who reflect the demographics of the communities most affected by the health conditions being studied. This includes considering factors such as race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, disability, and geographic location. She shared examples of how researchers can use tailored recruitment materials and collaborate with community health workers to reach rurral groups. Additionally, she advocated for creating study protocols that accommodate varying levels of health literacy to ensure all participants can fully engage with the research process.
"This CEI Perspectives event illuminated the transformative potential of clinical trials in rural communities," said Clifford Kennon, EdS, MPA, CCTS Engagement of Communities Program Director. "By directly addressing barriers to participation and fostering genuine collaboration with community partners, we are not just advancing research but also building the foundation for trust and inclusivity that is critical for improving health outcomes for all."
Call to Action: Key Recommendations
Reflecting on the discussion, the panelists offered actionable strategies to promote wide participation in clinical trials:- Healthcare Professionals: Build trust by fostering transparent communication and partnering with local organizations to raise awareness about clinical trials.
- Researchers: Design inclusive trials that account for logistical challenges and incorporate community feedback at every stage.
- Community Leaders: Advocate for policies that address healthcare issues and support infrastructure for equitable trial participation.
- Policymakers: Fund initiatives that reduce limitations to participation, such as transportation assistance, childcare support, and culturally relevant educational materials.