Discover how Xavier University of Louisiana is bridging healthcare trust gaps
Understanding Barriers in Clinical Trials & Building Bridges in Healthcare
The Challenge:
COVID-19 has underscored significant healthcare disparities, particularly in testing and vaccine distribution. But a deeper issue lies in the heart of many communities: trust. Historical events, recent injustices, and the absence of open dialogue about discrimination in healthcare have fostered mistrust. Some residents question why there's sudden concern for their health during the pandemic when their health concerns in other areas, such as diabetes, have historically been overlooked.
The Study & Its Insights:
Xavier University of Louisiana embarked on the LA-CEAL project (Louisiana Community Engagement Alliance Against COVID-19) to better understand these disparities. We discovered that only a small fraction of participants from marginalized communities were willing to sign up for COVID-19 trials. Factors limiting participation ranged from limited awareness about the trials to fears rooted in past exploitative practices. Most importantly, representation matters. When the majority of those conducting trials don't mirror the community, trust diminishes.
Our Pharmacy Students & Their Path:
Interestingly, even within our esteemed Xavier College of Pharmacy, many students remain unaware of career opportunities in clinical trial design. And despite the College's rich history of training African-American students in healthcare, only a handful venture into industry fellowships post-graduation.
Moving Forward with the Genentech Study: With the goal of bridging these gaps, the Genentech study aims to unify the voices of both community members and our future healthcare professionals. We're determined to address concerns, bolster trust, and ensure a more inclusive future in clinical research.
Transforming Healthcare through Inclusive Clinical Trials
Welcome to Xavier University's groundbreaking initiative, aimed at revolutionizing the landscape of clinical trials through education, community engagement, and research. Rooted in our commitment to address healthcare disparities, this project draws upon insights from three NIH-funded projects targeting COVID-19 testing and vaccine inequities.
Confronting Healthcare Disparities with Evidence and Action
Our approach is multifaceted: we delve deep into historical and contemporary challenges in healthcare access and trust, particularly within minority communities. Our research is grounded in experiences from the LA-CEAL project, which revealed significant gaps in clinical trial participation among minority groups. Through comprehensive surveys and focus group discussions, we're not only identifying barriers but also crafting pathways to overcome them.
Educational Initiatives for Broader Impact
In-depth Community Outreach: We're conducting targeted outreach to understand and dismantle obstacles to clinical trial participation among marginalized communities.
Collaborative Educational Networks: Based at Xavier University of Louisiana, our network is a catalyst for promoting diversity in clinical trials. We're facilitating forums for healthcare workers and trial investigators, focusing on equity, inclusion, and diversity. Additionally, we're guiding minority students towards careers in clinical trial design and research.
Specialized Training Programs: Our initiative includes specialized training programs for our College of Pharmacy students, enhancing their knowledge and skills in clinical trial processes, and preparing them as future leaders in this field.
Expanding Focus: Infectious Diseases, Vaccines, and Oncology
Aligning with Xavier University's strengths in infectious diseases, vaccines, and oncology, we're actively engaging with statewide networks like the LCRC. Our focus encompasses enhancing trial participation in critical areas such as breast and prostate cancer research, diseases that disproportionately affect minority populations.
Sustainable Strategies for Long-Term Change
We are working towards creating lasting change by establishing voluntary accountability committees and fostering equitable partnerships between trial participants and investigators. This approach ensures diverse inclusion and a thorough review of recruitment and retention strategies in clinical trials.
Join Our Journey Towards Inclusive Healthcare
Xavier University invites you to be part of this pivotal journey. Our project is more than research; it's a movement towards a healthcare system that's inclusive, equitable, and trustworthy. Discover more about our mission and how you can contribute to making a difference in the world of clinical trials and beyond.