Diversity and Inclusivity

At the Primary Health Care Clinical Trials Unit, we are deeply committed to promoting diversity, inclusivity, and research equity. We recognize the importance of ensuring that our clinical trials are accessible to and representative of the diverse populations we serve. By prioritizing inclusivity, we strive to produce more accurate research findings that benefit everyone.

We are proud to announce the appointment of our Diversity and Inclusivity Lead, Professor Mahendra Patel OBE. With his guidance and expertise, we have been able to enhance the inclusivity of our national priority studies, PRINCIPLE and PANORAMIC. Professor Patel's leadership has been instrumental in ensuring that our trials are open to as many people as possible, regardless of their age, gender, ethnicity, or socioeconomic background.

To expand our outreach and engagement efforts, we have collaborated with dozens of community organizations, health professional groups, local and specialist media, and pharmacies. These partnerships have allowed us to connect with diverse communities, address barriers to participation, and promote a more inclusive research environment.

Diversity, inclusivity, and research equity are at the heart of our work. We continuously strive to break down barriers to participation and create an environment where everyone's voice is heard and valued. By fostering a culture of inclusivity, we aim to drive medical advancements that benefit all members of our society.

Our diverse team members continue to strive improve our outreach assisting with efforts to establish the Oxford University Centre for Research Equity.

We are always keen to improve our outreach and engagement efforts. If you are member of a community group or organisation that wants to work with us please get in touch with our diversity lead Professor Mahendra Patel at mahendra.patel@phc.ox.ac.uk.

Individuals who would like to be involved

If you are an individual who would like to be involved in clinical research you can reach out our clinical trial teams for each trial.

Alternatively an excellent way to contribute is to sign up for local Public and Patient Involvement group. More information on this is can be found here: https://www.phc.ox.ac.uk/ppi

Please feel free to reach out for more information on how you can get involved.

Summary: The authors of this paper welcome the call for greater diversity in clinical trials like PRINCIPLE, which aimed to recruit participants from a range of backgrounds, including socioeconomically deprived areas and minority ethnic communities. The trial was promoted in multiple languages, across various media channels, and through collaboration with community and religious organizations. The approach enabled PRINCIPLE to recruit 4% South Asian and 0.5% Black participants, comparable to the demographics of people over 50 in England and Wales. The trial's innovative approach may now support the recruitment of minority ethnic participants in other UK national trials, but further investment and targeted initiatives are needed for sustainable engagement.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(21)00945-4