DEI has improved clinical trials according to ACRP survey

Data generated in clinical trials has improved over the past decade due, in part, to efforts to include participants from minority and traditionally underrepresented groups.

The conclusion comes from an Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) survey which quizzed CROs, research sites and academics about the trials sector and found, in general, that things are improving.

“The conduct of clinical research has improved over the past five to 10 years, according to 52% of respondents,” the ACRP authors write, adding “Many cited improvements in diversity, equity, and inclusion and more of a focus on diverse recruitment as key reasons for this improvement.”

The finding supports the recent restoration of US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) draft guidelines on DEI action plans in clinical trials. The document was briefly removed earlier this year in response to an executive order issued by the President.

Technology

The ACRP survey also identified several trends likely to shape the trials sector over the coming years.

For example, of the nearly 800 industry professionals questioned, 52% said they believe clinical research has improved over the past five to 10 years with half stating data quality is better now than a decade ago.

In addition, some 46% of respondents said processes designed to ensure that clinical trials comply with relevant regulations have improved.

The results also suggest technology is likely to play an increasingly important role in drug research going forward.

For example, 73% of respondents predicted that technology providers – from suppliers of systems that support remote studies through to firms offering AI-based protocol optimisation - will have the most positive impact on trials in the next five to 10 years.

Improvements

The ACRP team also identified several areas where improvements are needed.

For example, only 31% of respondents said clinical trial budgets were sufficient to support good operations.

Likewise, less than half said they expect the skills and experience of CRO and sponsor staff to improve over the next decade.

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