The Importance of Inclusivity in Clinical Trials

At NWEH we are committed to making sure that the trials we undertake are as inclusive as possible. Here we discuss why that is so important for participants, research organisations, the regulators of clinical research and, most importantly, the future health of our communities.

Inclusivity is a crucial factor in clinical trials to ensure that research findings are representative of the population and applicable to all patients who may eventually receive the treatment. Clinical trials involve testing new medications, therapies, or medical devices on people to determine their safety and effectiveness. However, a lack of inclusivity in clinical trials can have negative consequences and hinder the progress of medical research.

One of the main reasons why inclusivity is so important is that it ensures that the results of clinical research are generalisable to the entire population. Clinical trials that include a diverse range of participants allow researchers to identify and address any differences in how the treatment affects different groups. For example, certain medications may have different effects on men and women, or on people of different ages or ethnicities. If clinical trials are only conducted on a specific population, it may not accurately represent how the treatment will work for the broader population, leading to potentially harmful outcomes. Regulators such as the FDA and MHRA are increasingly focused on clinical trial designs that demonstrate inclusive enrolment of participants that will ultimately represent the target population for the therapy being tested. Tools developed by NWEH, such as FARSITE, can help to design appropriate protocols and assist with engagement and recruitment of representative populations.

Inclusivity also promotes equity in healthcare by ensuring that all patients have access to innovative treatments, regardless of their demographics. Historically, certain populations, such as women, minorities, and older adults, have been underrepresented in clinical trials. This can lead to underdiagnosis, undertreatment, and a lack of understanding of how certain medical conditions may affect specific groups of people. Including a diverse range of participants in clinical trials can help to address these disparities and ensure that all patients receive appropriate care. NWEH’s unique ConneXon real-world trials platform reduces the burden of trial participation and makes it easier for people to take part in clinical trials whilst ensuring their safety at all times – a real step forward in ensuring inclusivity of access.

Inclusivity in clinical trials can also lead to better patient outcomes. By testing new treatments on a diverse range of participants, researchers can identify potential side effects or issues that may affect some groups more than others. This allows for more personalized and targeted treatments that can improve patient outcomes and overall healthcare. Additionally, our ConneXon platform which can gather information directly from a patients’ electronic health record means that we gain far greater insights into potential benefits for different groups’ participants, thereby facilitating personalised healthcare in the future.

In summary, inclusivity is critical for clinical trials to ensure that the research findings are representative of the entire population, promote equity in healthcare, and improve patient outcomes. By increasing inclusivity in clinical trials, researchers can advance medical research and ensure that all patients receive safe and effective treatments. Here at NWEH our technology, expertise and ethos will help make the future of clinical trials far more accessible and inclusive for all.