A virtual recruitment protocol promotes enrollment of underrepresented groups in a diabetes prevention trial

J Clin Transl Sci. 2024 Feb 5;8(1):e26. doi: 10.1017/cts.2024.11. eCollection 2024.

Abstract

Strategies are needed to ensure greater participation of underrepresented groups in diabetes research. We examined the impact of a remote study protocol on enrollment in diabetes research, specifically the Pre-NDPP clinical trial. Recruitment was conducted among 2807 diverse patients in a safety-net healthcare system. Results indicated three-fold greater odds of enrolling in remote versus in-person protocols (AOR 2.90; P < 0.001 [95% CI 2.29-3.67]). Priority populations with significantly higher enrollment included Latinx and Black individuals, Spanish speakers, and individuals who had Medicaid or were uninsured. A remote study design may promote overall recruitment into clinical trials, while effectively supporting enrollment of underrepresented groups.

Keywords: Clinical trials; health equity; recruitment; social determinants of health; technology.