Today, many in the clinical trial industry face a myriad of challenges in recruiting diverse patient populations and hitting enrollment numbers. Typically, the large, academic centers running the majority of clinical trials don’t have access to the underrepresented populations that benefit from research the most. Community-based sites with deep roots in their area have the ability to reach these patients who are often overlooked in clinical research.
One site based in Georgia has cracked the code to connect with their community and introduce research as a trustworthy treatment option to these underserved populations. iResearch Atlanta was founded on the mission to provide care options and support in the community. Co-founders Sara Castle and Heather Beitz have ensured that as the organization grows, the desire to treat, educate, and assist the community in any way they can has remained at the forefront of their efforts.
This month we spoke with Rachel Barber, the community outreach specialist of iResearch Atlanta, to hear how they’ve recruited 50% of the patients in their database through community involvement alone. iResearch works closely with a number of organizations, primarily those focused on mental health, and gets involved anywhere they can. Barber explained that at times, helping looks like sending volunteers, and other times, it means they’ll sponsor an entire event. “We look at ourselves as a partner,” she said. “We lend our hand and help as much as we can.”
Physicians from the site will often attend these events, allowing members of the community to have informative one-on-one conversations. Dr. Saundra Maas-Robinson, iResearch Atlanta’s psychiatrist, has focused on community outreach throughout her entire career. Her drive to work against the stigmas around mental illness and ensure underrepresented populations have access to treatment is spotlighted through her enthusiasm to connect with local community members and come out to events. The personalized conversations that can take place at these events make all the difference. Barber explained, “the minute we can do that, they have instant trust and we can explore the research option, letting them know that they’re a part of this just as much as we are.”
However, with COVID-19, the in-person opportunities iResearch depended on to make trials accessible were no longer an option. The site maintained their position as a support to the community by holding virtual doctor chats throughout the pandemic. Their medical director, Dr. Kimball Johnson, hosted virtual Q&A sessions for the general public where she answered questions about the overall situation, vaccines, and guided attendees through the best safety practices. For those experiencing depression and anxiety, iResearch presented discussions on mental health and provided information about the trials that they were enrolling as a possible treatment solution for those interested.
Even those involved with iResearch who don’t qualify for the trials can receive treatment and assistance from the research center. Through their nonprofit arm, patients who come into the center for a screening but ultimately don’t wind up participating in the trial can obtain relief for their medical needs. “We want to help people where they’re at even if it isn’t going to be a trial,” Barber said. Programs like this are what position iResearch Atlanta as an integral part of the community they serve.
For sites struggling to get roots in their communities, Barber is certain that the answer is simpler than it looks. Some communities are distrustful of clinical trials due to historical medical mistreatment of certain populations, so starting slow and building relationships is crucial in facilitating trust between the community and a research center. “Show up,” Barber says, “If [a local organization] has an event, make yourself available and go. Don’t even ask to participate but make yourself available and share resources.” Some organizations may need help finding office space, event locations, or just snacks for their event. This type of support is what leads to collaboration and eventually positions research as a trustworthy care option. As Barber explained, “It’s the small things people don’t even think about offering that can be just absolutely huge.”
For trial sponsors, Barber said they’ve had great experiences in collaborating at community events. Some have sent representatives to attend the events, others have sent materials and swag as a form of support. This sort of aid has helped sponsors to understand the bigger picture of the research center they’re working with. iResearch is transparent with the sponsor regarding what type of outreach they’ll be doing for the trial. Barber says that when they voice their plans up front, the sponsors are always excited to help.
iResearch continues their aim to serve their patients in whatever forms they can. “Health and wellness is so important,” Barber said. “We want to be a part of that in any way we can.” Their impact on the community is critical in moving forward in a world where research is available to all, regardless of geography, socioeconomic status, or ethnicity.
At Inato, our mission is to amplify the voices of community-based sites like iResearch, bringing innovative medical care to historically underrepresented populations.