In the evolving landscape of clinical research, the importance of intersectionality cannot be overstated. For pharma executives, researchers, and policy makers, understanding how race, gender, socio-economic status, and health conditions intersect to influence health outcomes is essential for designing trials that truly serve diverse populations.
Yet, despite growing efforts, representation of underrepresented groups remains alarmingly low. For instance, a study found that only 0.8% of industry commitments translated into meaningful participation from diverse collaborators in clinical trials, leaving critical gaps in our understanding of how treatments work across different populations.
Health disparities are not one-dimensional. Intersectionality highlights that individuals often belong to multiple marginalized groups, compounding their health disparities. Compared to white women and Black men with diabetes, Black women with the same condition often face different and more complex challenges in accessing healthcare.
One study, for example, found that Black youth with type 1 diabetes had higher HbA1c levels and more hypoglycemic episodes, even when controlling for access to technology and socio-economic status. These disparities continue because traditional clinical trials largely overlook the unique, compounding barriers different groups face.
A truly intersectional approach to clinical research requires going beyond basic demographic factors. It means recognizing that race, gender, income, geography, and systemic inequities do not exist in isolation. They shape and amplify one another. By integrating these factors into study design, clinical research can generate more accurate, equitable insights that lead to better health outcomes for all.
Clinicoequity: Redefining Diversity in Clinical Trials
The concept of clinicoequity takes intersectionality a step further by actively breaking down systemic barriers that prevent diverse participation in clinical trials. Most traditional diversity efforts are recruitment-oriented and do not address higher-level barriers such as:
Financial constraints that make trial participation unfeasible
Historical mistrust in the medical system among marginalized communities
Limited access to trial locations due to transportation and geographic challenges
In a study published recently, self-measured blood pressure monitoring (SMBP) significantly improved health outcomes among minority populations by offering a more accessible and culturally relevant approach to hypertension management. Participants using SMBP, particularly Black and Hispanic adults, showed better blood pressure control and higher adherence to treatment, reducing disparities in cardiovascular care.
Clinicoequity calls for rethinking study design by integrating social determinants of health, real-world evidence, and adaptive trial models to ensure interventions remain relevant and effective for diverse communities. By shifting from passive inclusion to proactive, data-driven equity, clinical trials can move from being diverse on paper to truly impactful in practice, leading to better health outcomes for historically marginalized groups.
Rubix LS: Advancing Science, Equity & Health Outcome
Rubix LS is advancing this movement, offering innovative solutions that focus on inclusivity in clinical research. With access to over 18 million diverse patient datasets, Rubix LS uses this information to design studies that reflect the realities of underserved communities. Our commitment to culturally competent research is evident in our patient recruitment and trial execution strategies.
Key Strategies from Rubix LS:
Pop-Up Mobile Clinical Sites:Â Bringing research directly to remote areas enhances access for participants who might otherwise be excluded.
Tailored Study Designs:Â Customizing studies to address the specific needs and characteristics of diverse groups ensures relevance and effectiveness.
Advanced Data Analytics: Using big data processing and AI-driven insights, Rubix LS transforms complex data into actionable strategies that improve trial outcomes and engagement.
These strategies are not just theoretical. They are already proving effective in real-world applications. Mobile clinical sites have been shown to improve participant engagement and retention in community-based trials. Moreover, tailored study designs play a crucial role in addressing the unique needs of underrepresented populations, highlighting their impact on recruitment and retention among diverse cancer survivors. Meanwhile, advanced data analytics is transforming clinical research by using predictive modeling to improve disease tracking as seen in Alzheimer’s-related mortality trends in diabetes patients.
By integrating these evidence-based approaches, Rubix LS is setting a new standard for inclusive, data-driven clinical research that leads to more equitable and impactful healthcare solutions.
Bridging Healthcare Gaps Through Inclusive Research
Partnerships like Rubix LS's collaboration with BioMark Diagnostics demonstrate the potential of intersectional approaches. This collaboration focuses on improving cancer screening technologies for underserved populations, with an emphasis on early detection as a critical factor in treatment success. Similarly, recent work in Nutrients has shown that community-engaged approaches significantly improve diverse participation in nutrition-based clinical trials, further supporting the need for culturally tailored interventions.Â
By addressing disparities head-on and not just acknowledging them, inclusive research has the power to transform health outcomes, close racial and socio-economic gaps, and create a more just and effective healthcare system.
Driving Equity in Clinical Trials with Rubix LS
For pharma executives, researchers, and policy makers, embracing intersectionality and clinicoequity is no longer optional. It is a fundamental necessity for advancing medical research. By adopting inclusive methodologies and collaborating with organizations like Rubix LS, the life sciences can shift from token diversity efforts to truly transformative healthcare solutions. The future of clinical research must be as diverse as the populations it aims to serve and by prioritizing intersectionality in trial design, we can make equitable healthcare a reality for all.