Diversity in Clinical Trials

Clinical trials provide an opportunity for patients to receive cutting-edge care. Unfortunately, ethnically diverse patients often miss out on the opportunity to participate in clinical trials because they lack access to referrals or feel uncertain about what participation entails. In addition, some diseases have a higher prevalence in communities of color. Physicians For a Healthy California (PHC) works with the Network of Ethnic Physician Organizations (NEPO) to encourage conversations between physicians and patients about clinical trials.

Physician Resources

• Diversity in Clinical Trials Office Poster (English)
• Diversity in Clinical Trials Office Poster (Spanish)

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a clinical trial? A clinical trial is a study about a new medicine or therapy. Clinical trials help doctors and scientists find out if new medicines work so that they can help prevent and cure diseases. 

• How much do clinical trials cost? Clinical trials are often, but not always, sponsored. These sponsors may cover the full cost of participation or just the cost of the new drug or therapy. Some costs may also be covered by health insurance.

• Why is it important to be a part of clinical trial? Taking part in a clinical trial gives patients access to new treatments and specialty doctors, while helping other patients by aiding in the development of better and more effective treatments. 

• Who can join clinical trials? Different factors, like age, medical history and current medical condition, can make certain people a better fit depending on the clinical trial. Every trial is different. Some studies look for patients with a specific condition, while others need healthy patients.