JNCI Cancer Spectr. 2024 Jun 18:pkae047. doi: 10.1093/jncics/pkae047. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Persons who speak languages other than English (LOE) are underrepresented in clinical trials; this may be due in part to inadequate multilevel resources. We conducted a survey of institutions affiliated with the Children’s Oncology Group (COG) to characterize current research recruitment practices and resources regarding translation and interpretation services.
METHODS: In October 2022, a 20-item survey was distributed electronically to institutions affiliated with COG to assess consent practices and resources for recruiting participants who speak LOE to COG trials. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize responses; responses were compared by institution size, type, and respondent role.
RESULTS: The survey was sent to a total of 230 institutions, and the response rate was 60% (n = 139). In total, 60% (n = 83) had access to short form consents. Full consent form translation was required at 50% of institutions, and 12% of Institutional Review Boards restricted use of centrally translated consent forms. Forty-six percent of institutions reported insufficient funding to support translation costs; 15% had access to no-cost translation services. Forty-four percent (n = 61) were required to use in-person interpreters for consent discussions; the most cited barrier to obtaining consent was lack of available in-person interpreters (56%). Forty-six percent (n = 69) reported that recruiting persons who speak LOE to clinical trials was somewhat or very difficult.
CONCLUSIONS: Institutions affiliated with COG face resource-specific challenges that impede recruitment of participants who speak LOE in clinical trials. These findings indicate an urgent need to identify strategies aimed at reducing recruitment barriers to ensure equitable access to clinical trials.
PMID:38889291 | DOI:10.1093/jncics/pkae047
