AB1469-HPR A study to investigate whether if any barriers in ethnic minority patients may impact on research participation in a district general hospital (2011)
Authors: V Ramasamy
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2018)

<h3>Background</h3> A literature review of the current evidence suggests that research barriers exist within a diverse and ethnic population and that these barriers are often perceived to be cultural, behavioural, structural, organisational or clinical. Though a number of studies have been done showing the impact the above, these cannot be generalised at a local level. Hence, it is of vital importance that those involved in undertaking clinical studies locally are aware of the factors which may be preventing them from recruiting ethnic patients in their respective specialist area. There is a need to evaluate systems currently in place and to investigate whether factors such as attitudes, beliefs, health care professionals approach and patient experience may have an impact on recruitment. <h3>Objectives</h3> The aim of this study is to investigate whether any barriers exists within a small sample of ethnic minority patients who have been previously approached to participate in a clinical trial in a local hospital. <h3>Methods</h3> A qualitative study involving semi-structured interviews with both consultants active in research and patients with a background of inflammatory conditions invited to participate in a study locally. Purposive sampling was applied in all three groups. Participant information sheets and invitation letters was sent to all participants with a two week follow up by telephone for patients. Consent was taken from all participants, open-ended questions used during the interviews, the data collected by hand notes and then analysed using the five stages of the framework approach. Data was analysed in 3 groups:<sup>1</sup> investigators,<sup>2</sup> consented patients and<sup>3</sup> unconsented patients. <h3>Results</h3> A total of 24 patients were invited and twelve agreed to attend for individual interviews. Out of twelve investigators approached, eight responded to the invitations. Investigators' displayed positive attitudes towards recruitment, reported language and some cultural barriers along the informed consent pathway and a gap in support systems within research. Patients from both groups reported a lack of awareness in clinical trials. Fears of study drug and a lack of trust to commit were the main themes that emerged from the unconsented group. Cultural barriers did not have an impact on the informed consent process in both groups. <h3>Conclusions</h3> This study is among the first that has been conducted in our trust and focused on main areas of qualitative research looking at patients' responses when invited to participate in a trial and complexities of recruitment from a healthcare professional perspective. The findings provide evidence of research barriers that exist within the trust perceived by investigators and patients Unfortunately, few studies have focused on various background of ethnicity within different specialties. This could be because it is difficult to carry out studies without focusing specifically on a certain area of disease or a particular group of patients. These findings can only be generalised to areas of research locally upon further exploration of these barriers, which may have a significant impact on the recruitment of ethnic minority patients. <h3>Disclosure of Interest</h3> None declared