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American Kidney Fund creates program to increase minority representation in clinical trials
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The American Kidney Fund has announced the creation of a patient engagement program aimed at increasing minority representation in clinical trials.
According to the release, a digital resource hub containing webinars will help address concerns minority patients with chronic kidney disease may have regarding clinical trials, while also providing information on how to participate.
"The program provides patients with resources and tools to address the reservations they may have about clinical trials, such as myths and misconceptions about how data gathered during the trial will be used, whether they will get the best available care, and what their rights as patients are throughout the process," LaVarne A. Burton, president and CEO of AKF, told Healio/Nephrology.
Burton emphasized that, while racial and ethnic minorities are disproportionately affected by kidney disease and kidney failure, they are dramatically underrepresented in the clinical trials that can lead to significant advancements in the treatment of these conditions.
“Minorities make up less than 10% of patients enrolled in clinical trials," he said. "We believe it’s vital for those who either do not know about, or who decline to participate, to understand they can and should play an active role in all aspects of research and be proactive participants in their own care."
The program will be a part of AKF’s other community outreach efforts, including its free kidney health screening program and its educational campaign on hyperkalemia. For more information visit: www.KidneyFund.org.
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