Work

A pragmatic plan to develop community health workers as researchers and strengthen Black clinical trial enrollment

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Low enrollment of racial/ethnic minorities in clinical trials is a persistent problem. This study explores community health workers' (CHWs) potential to increase research participation by Black people. We interviewed 12 CHWs and 12 Black community members, and after multidisciplinary analysis, held a CHW focus group to refine themes and make recommendations. Most participants mistrusted research, but many valued its potential for generativity. CHW involvement in research was seen as an opportunity to bring community relationships and context to all aspects of research, including recruitment. Participants proposed steps to build trustworthy research experiences and develop CHWs as full research team members.

Source: Journal of Clinical and Translational Science

DOI: 10.1017/cts.2025.10221

Authors: Robin Gotler, Delores Collins, Michael Matthews, Samia Marchmon, Janterria Matthews, Kurt Stange

Institutions: Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland State University, Cleveland Clinic

Language: English

Topic: Ethics in Clinical Research

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,200