14 Mar How Equity and Inclusion Drive True Diversity in Clinical Research

By Ashley Moultrie, ACRP

Advances in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) demand more than simply offering people from underrepresented populations a seat at the table. “While this is a good starting point, we must also take a close look at what happens at that table,” says Ashley Moultrie, CCRP, Director of DEI and Community Engagement at Javara. “Success depends on what happens next.”

Moultrie explains that “people from marginalized populations must be fully welcome and treated equitably, sharing the same experience as earlier participants in all these discussions. This includes having updates on earlier conversations to enable full participation in current discussions. To make information fully accessible for all participants, a choice of formats should be available—whether verbal, written, or a combination. If device use is required for full participation, then this option should be readily available. These steps can support an equitable experience and an equitable voice in the decision-making process.”

After these initial, inclusive discussions take place, participants should be interviewed about their experience, notes Moultrie. “Honest—and possibly uncomfortable—conversations are needed as part of the assessment of these experiences,” she adds. “Once there is a clear picture of what went well and what did not, progress can be made.” Read more…