Why it matters:

Historically, health and care research has often overlooked minority groups, perpetuating inequalities in healthcare outcomes. The lack of diverse voices in research can significantly hinder the ability to understand the health and care needs within the communities we serve and how to address them effectively.

This lack of diversity in clinical trials and medical research has far-reaching consequences: 

• Limited generalisability: When clinical trials don't include diverse patient populations, treatments may be less effective or have unexpected side effects in underrepresented groups. 
• Persistent health disparities: Underrepresentation in research contributes to ongoing health inequities, as treatments may not be optimised for all populations. 
• Erosion of trust: Historical exclusion has led to a lack of trust in medical research among minority communities, making future recruitment and community engagement more challenging. 
• Missed opportunities: Diverse participation is crucial for developing effective therapies and ensuring that all populations can benefit from medical advancements. 
• Biased guidelines: When clinical evidence is based on homogeneous populations, resulting medical knowledge and practices may be less applicable to diverse patient groups. 

Our work at CfRE aims to address these critical issues by ensuring that research truly reflects and benefits our diverse society. By championing inclusive research practices, we hope to improve the fairness, effectiveness, and trustworthiness of the healthcare system, ultimately leading to more equitable health outcomes for all.