UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI

Increasing minority representation in clinical trials is a priority for the National Institutes of Health. Without adequate representation of all racial/ethnic groups, the results from randomized clinical trials, which are the gold standard for evaluation of medical interventions, cannot be generalized to these groups, and thus the quality of care for racial/ethnic minority patients may suffer. However, recruitment of minority patients into trials is often difficult, and participation rates are low. For example, with the exception of prostate cancer, national population based studies have shown that African Americans and Hispanics participate in cancer clinical trials at much lower rates than would be expected from cancer incidence in these populations. This research will take an innovative approach to reducing barriers and increasing interest in participation in clinical trials among two race/ethnic minority groups, African American and Hispanic. We propose to develop a decision aid (DA) with a focus on a) information provision, b) enhancement of self-efficacy in communication with health care providers, and c) values clarification concerning the risks and benefits of participating in a clinical trial. This DA will be targeted to African American and Hispanic cancer patients and their families, and will specifically address the fears, concerns, lack of information, and knowledge needs that racial/ethnic minorities may have concerning participation in trials.

Clarification of Codes