Authors: Yonghun Kim, Mary O'Shea, Gladys Asiedu, Katharine Andress Rowe Price, Rahma M. Warsame
Published: 2022-06-06
DOI: 10.1200/jco.2022.40.16_suppl.e18544
Source: Full article
e18544 Background: Underrepresented minority (URM) patients continue to make up a small percentage of patients treated on cancer clinical trials (CCTs), thus perpetuating health care disparities. Research indicates that engagement of healthcare staff is critical for successful recruitment. Our study sought to better define barriers to minority recruitment to CCT from the research staff perspective. Methods: Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted of key stakeholders for CCT enrollment, including clinical research coordinators (CRCs), principal investigators (PIs), and treating clinicians. Questions for the healthcare team explored their experiences caring for URM patients with specific inquiry into the barriers of enrollment/retention and the processes or resources required to better meet patient needs. Results: All hematology and oncology staff at Mayo Clinic Cancer Center were invited to participate via email. Of the 28 who consented, 13 were male (46%), 15 female (54%), and 21% non-white (3 Asian, 2 Hispanic, 1 Black). Of the 19 PIs, 9 were Professors (47%), 5 Associate professors (26%), and 5 Assistant professors (26%). The additional 9 interviewees were CRCs. Select themes with representative quotes and proposed actions can be seen in Table. Conclusions: Recommendations for CCT accrual include accelerating efforts to address workforce diversity gaps, engaging in community outreach, optimization of CCT participation through collaborative care, incentivizing trial participation, and creating flexibility in eligibility criteria.[Table: see text]