Increasing diversity within ophthalmic clinical trials, including within the retina subspecialty, has various underlying factors that need to be addressed to foster trust, enhance awareness, and facilitate participation. Efforts on the individual and collective level can do several things to improve diversity within clinical trials.
On the collective level, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) has established a task force focused on health equity in eye care. This task force takes a closer look at topics such as the social determinants of health and medical care, access to care, and care outcomes. The AAO is also committed to developing meaningful patient and provider resources to help address this need for greater diversity, equity, and inclusion.10
Additionally, both pharmaceutical companies and the FDA are making efforts to focus on inclusion within clinical trials for all specialties. In its November 2020 “Enhancing the Diversity of Clinical Trial Populations” document, the FDA suggested several ways that clinical trials can increase diversity and inclusion.11 Some of its recommendations include:
- Using more inclusive strategies for trial outreach
- Working with community members on trial design to pinpoint where trials may discourage participation, so changes can be made to modify those areas
- Using clinical trial sites located in racially and ethnically diverse areas
- Holding frequent recruitment events, including evenings and weekends
- Considering the use of online and social media recruitment strategies
Additionally, both pharmaceutical companies and the FDA are making efforts to focus on inclusion within clinical trials for all specialties. In its November 2020 “Enhancing the Diversity of Clinical Trial Populations” document, the FDA suggested several ways that clinical trials can increase diversity and inclusion.11 Some of its recommendations include: