Faster Together, Enhancing the Recruitment of Marginalized Communities in Clinical Trials from Coursera

This course aims to teach people how to enhance the recruitment of racial and ethnic minorities in clinical trials. Key topics include the importance of diversity in clinical trials, barriers and facilitators to participation in clinical research, community engagement, effective communication, educating about clinical trials, provider outreach, effective prescreening and enrollment, person-centered consent, and retention. Anyone with the potential to recruit can benefit from this course, whether working in a clinical setting or in the community.

The course is split into 8 weeks. You may work at your own pace and finish the course faster, if you would like. We encourage you to take the quizzes to help you learn the material. The course is free to enroll and take. You will be offered the option of purchasing a certificate of completion, which you will receive if you successfully complete the course requirements. This can be an excellent way of staying motivated! Financial aid is also available.

Acknowledgments:

We would like to acknowledge the following members from the Center for Knowledge Management at Vanderbilt University Medical Center for their expertise and ongoing insightful contribution in the development and implementation of the course: Sheila Kusnoor, PhD, Elizabeth Frakes, MSIS, Helen Naylor, MS, Mallory Blasingame, MA, Taneya Koonce, MSLS, MPH, and Nunzia Bettinsoli Giuse, MD, MLS.

We would also like to acknowledge ArtMagic Labs, particularly Casey Culver, John Martinez, and Robert Eva, for their outstanding work in filming and editing the videos for the course.

The Recruitment Innovation Center and members of the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance lead the efforts behind the Faster Together project. Together they have led the development of this training.

This work is supported by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, under the award number U24TR001579.

What's inside

Syllabus

Module 1: Understanding the Need to Increase Minority Recruitment in Clinical Trials

This lesson describes the need to include racial and ethnic minorities in clinical trials. We review how low participation of minorities in research affects health care. We discuss the lasting impact of past research abuses on people’s thoughts about research. Finally, we cover barriers to research participation and how to overcome them.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Provides best practices for improving written and oral communication

Supports minority participation in clinical trials

Builds upon work of the Center for Knowledge Management at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, ArtMagic Labs, the Recruitment Innovation Center, and members of the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance

Emphasizes a person-centered approach throughout the recruitment and retention process

Covers key principles of community engagement and effective communication

Led by clinical research professionals from Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Reviews summary

Recruiting diverse communities in clinical trials

According to learners, this course addresses a critical and timely need in clinical research by focusing on enhancing the recruitment of marginalized communities. Students find the content highly relevant and appreciate the focus on understanding barriers to participation and developing effective communication strategies. The course provides practical tools and approaches for engaging communities and healthcare providers, as well as guidance on consent and retention. Many highlight its value for professionals seeking to improve diversity in trials, describing it as well-structured and easy to follow, with some noting the benefit of the self-paced format. While generally well-received, some experienced learners might find certain sections cover familiar ground.

Self-paced nature is convenient for learners.

"The self-paced format allowed me to fit it into my busy schedule."

"Being able to go back and review lessons was very helpful."

"I liked that I could work through the material at my own speed."

"The estimated time per module felt accurate."

Course content is logical and easy to follow.

"The material is well-organized, making it easy to digest."

"I appreciated the step-by-step approach through the modules."

"The course flows logically from understanding the problem to practical solutions."

"Content is clear and the key points are reinforced."

Explores challenges and personal biases effectively.

"The module on understanding barriers to participation was very insightful."

"It challenged me to look at my own biases and how they might affect recruitment."

"Learning about the historical context and past abuses was crucial."

"The course helps you recognize and address common challenges."

Provides actionable methods for recruitment.

"I learned practical strategies for community engagement and outreach."

"The lessons on effective communication were immediately applicable."

"It gave me concrete tools to use when educating potential participants."

"The course offered helpful approaches for improving retention in trials."

Covers a highly relevant and timely topic.

"This course is incredibly important right now, addressing a critical gap in clinical research."

"I found the focus on marginalized communities particularly relevant to my work."

"Understanding the need for diversity in trials is presented clearly."

"The course highlights the urgency and importance of this topic."

May be too basic for some experienced professionals.

"As someone with years of experience, some parts felt like a review."

"Could use more advanced discussion on specific community models."

"The core concepts are covered well, but advanced practitioners might want more depth."

"It provides a solid foundation, but doesn't delve deeply into complex issues."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Faster Together, Enhancing the Recruitment of Marginalized Communities in Clinical Trials with these activities:

Read "The Health Disparities Report"

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Reading "The Health Disparities Report" will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the health disparities faced by racial and ethnic minorities in the United States and the importance of increasing minority representation in clinical trials.

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Obtain a copy of the report from the Office of Minority Health website
Read through the report and take notes on the key findings
Consider the implications of these findings for your own work in clinical research

Review Community Outreach techniques

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It is critical to have a solid foundation in recruiting racial and ethnic minorities in clinical trials to be successful in this course.

Browse courses on Community Outreach

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Review the course syllabus and make note of any sections that cover community outreach techniques.
Read any assigned readings or watch any videos on community outreach techniques.
Take practice quizzes or complete practice exercises on community outreach techniques.
Attend a workshop or webinar on community outreach techniques.

Review module content

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Reviewing the course material before the course begins will help you get a head start and ensure that you have a strong foundation.

Browse courses on Clinical Trials

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Read the course syllabus and objectives
Review the key concepts for each module
Complete any pre-course assessments or assignments

Eight other activities

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Join a study group or discussion forum

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Participating in a study group or discussion forum can help you connect with other students and learn from their experiences.

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Find a study group or discussion forum that is relevant to this course.
Introduce yourself to the group and share your goals for the course.
Participate in discussions and share your thoughts and insights.
Ask questions and seek help from other members of the group as needed.

Volunteer with an organization that supports racial and ethnic minorities

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Volunteering with an organization that supports racial and ethnic minorities will allow you to connect with potential research participants and learn about the challenges they face.

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Research organizations that support racial and ethnic minorities in your community.
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Attend a volunteer orientation and training.
Volunteer your time to support the organization's mission.

Complete practice quizzes

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Completing practice quizzes will help you assess your understanding of the course material and identify areas where you need additional support.

Browse courses on Clinical Research

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Take the quiz associated with each module
Review your answers and identify areas for improvement
Re-take the quiz or seek additional resources to strengthen your understanding

Watch video tutorials

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Watching video tutorials can help you reinforce your understanding of the course material and learn from experts in the field.

Browse courses on Clinical Trial Design

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Review the list of available video tutorials
Select a tutorial relevant to the topic you are studying
Watch the tutorial and take notes on key concepts

Develop a recruitment plan

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Developing a recruitment plan will help you apply the principles of minority recruitment learned in the course to a practical scenario.

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Identify the target population for your clinical trial
Research and identify potential recruitment strategies
Develop a detailed plan outlining your recruitment approach
Present your plan to a mentor or instructor for feedback

Create a study guide

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Creating a study guide can help you organize and synthesize the course material for easier retention and recall.

Browse courses on Clinical Trials

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Gather the relevant materials from the course, including notes, readings, and quizzes
Identify the key concepts and topics covered in each module
Summarize and condense the information into a concise and logical format

Lead a peer review session

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Leading a peer review session will help you solidify your understanding of the course material and develop your leadership skills.

Browse courses on Clinical Research

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Organize a group of classmates or colleagues
Select a topic for the peer review session
Facilitate the discussion and encourage active participation from all members

Contribute to a research database

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Contributing to a research database will allow you to apply your knowledge of minority recruitment to a real-world project and make a meaningful contribution to the field.

Browse courses on Clinical Trials

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Identify a research database or organization focused on minority health or clinical trials
Contact the organization and inquire about opportunities to contribute
Work with the organization to identify a project or dataset that aligns with your interests and skills

Career center

Learners who complete Faster Together, Enhancing the Recruitment of Marginalized Communities in Clinical Trials will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Clinical Trial Manager

A Clinical Trial Manager is a crucial figure in the clinical research process, directing efforts to effectively recruit and engage research participants. This course, Faster Together, Enhancing the Recruitment of Marginalized Communities in Clinical Trials, is a valuable asset for Clinical Trial Managers seeking to enhance their skills in participant recruitment and retention. With its focus on understanding recruitment barriers, fostering community engagement, and conducting effective pre-consent education, this course directly addresses key aspects of the Clinical Trial Manager role. The modules on person-centered consent and retention further equip Clinical Trial Managers with the skills necessary for successful participant management and clinical trial outcomes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Clinical Trial Manager

Community Outreach Specialist

Community Outreach Specialists play a vital role in connecting clinical trials to diverse communities and promoting equitable participation. This course, Faster Together, Enhancing the Recruitment of Marginalized Communities in Clinical Trials, provides Community Outreach Specialists with a comprehensive understanding of the importance of minority representation in clinical trials and the challenges faced by marginalized communities. The course's emphasis on effective communication, community engagement, and cultural sensitivity empowers Community Outreach Specialists to build strong relationships with community stakeholders, foster trust, and increase clinical trial participation rates.

See salaries and explore the career path for Community Outreach Specialist

Diversity Equity and Inclusion Manager

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Managers are responsible for creating and implementing strategies that enhance diversity and inclusivity within organizations. This course, Faster Together, Enhancing the Recruitment of Marginalized Communities in Clinical Trials, is a valuable resource for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Managers seeking to improve their understanding of the barriers faced by marginalized communities in accessing clinical research. The course's emphasis on community engagement, culturally competent communication, and effective pre-consent education empowers Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Managers to develop programs and initiatives that promote equitable participation in clinical trials.

See salaries and explore the career path for Diversity Equity and Inclusion Manager

Health Communicator

Health Communicators play a critical role in disseminating health information to diverse audiences. This course, Faster Together, Enhancing the Recruitment of Marginalized Communities in Clinical Trials, provides Health Communicators with vital knowledge and skills for effectively communicating with marginalized communities about clinical trials. The course's emphasis on cultural sensitivity, clear communication, and addressing health literacy challenges empowers Health Communicators to increase awareness, build trust, and encourage participation in clinical trials among underrepresented groups.

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Patient Advocate

Patient Advocates support and empower patients throughout their healthcare journey. This course, Faster Together, Enhancing the Recruitment of Marginalized Communities in Clinical Trials, provides Patient Advocates with essential knowledge and skills to effectively advocate for equitable participation in clinical trials. The course's emphasis on understanding barriers, fostering community engagement, and providing culturally competent pre-consent education empowers Patient Advocates to build trust, address concerns, and support informed decision-making among marginalized communities.

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Healthcare Provider

Healthcare Providers play a crucial role in promoting clinical trial participation. This course, Faster Together, Enhancing the Recruitment of Marginalized Communities in Clinical Trials, may be useful for Healthcare Providers seeking to improve their understanding of the importance of minority representation in clinical research and addressing the challenges faced by marginalized communities. The course's modules on community engagement, cultural sensitivity, and effective communication provide valuable insights for Healthcare Providers to foster trust and encourage participation in clinical trials among diverse patient populations.

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Clinical Research Coordinator

Clinical Research Coordinators manage the day-to-day operations of clinical trials. This course, Faster Together, Enhancing the Recruitment of Marginalized Communities in Clinical Trials, may be useful for Clinical Research Coordinators seeking to improve their skills in participant recruitment and retention. The course's emphasis on understanding recruitment barriers, fostering community engagement, and conducting effective pre-consent education provides valuable insights for Clinical Research Coordinators to enhance their ability to engage with diverse communities and ensure equitable participation in clinical trials.

See salaries and explore the career path for Clinical Research Coordinator

Research Assistant

Research Assistants support researchers in conducting clinical trials. This course, Faster Together, Enhancing the Recruitment of Marginalized Communities in Clinical Trials, may be useful for Research Assistants seeking to gain a better understanding of the importance of minority representation in clinical research and addressing the challenges faced by marginalized communities. The course's modules on effective communication, community engagement, and culturally competent consent provide valuable insights for Research Assistants to contribute to equitable recruitment and retention practices in clinical trials.

See salaries and explore the career path for Research Assistant

Public Health Educator

Public Health Educators promote health and well-being within communities. This course, Faster Together, Enhancing the Recruitment of Marginalized Communities in Clinical Trials, may be useful for Public Health Educators seeking to enhance their skills in community engagement and health communication. The course's emphasis on understanding barriers, fostering trust, and providing culturally sensitive information provides Public Health Educators with valuable insights for effectively engaging with diverse communities and promoting equitable participation in clinical trials.

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Health Policy Analyst

Health Policy Analysts develop and analyze health policies to improve the accessibility and quality of healthcare. This course, Faster Together, Enhancing the Recruitment of Marginalized Communities in Clinical Trials, may be useful for Health Policy Analysts seeking to gain a deeper understanding of the factors influencing clinical trial participation among marginalized communities. The course's focus on understanding barriers, community engagement, and equitable access provides valuable insights for Health Policy Analysts to inform policy decisions that promote diversity and inclusion in clinical research.

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Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to inform decision-making. This course, Faster Together, Enhancing the Recruitment of Marginalized Communities in Clinical Trials, may be useful for Data Analysts seeking to gain a better understanding of the factors influencing clinical trial participation among marginalized communities. The course's focus on understanding barriers, community engagement, and equitable access provides valuable insights for Data Analysts to inform data collection and analysis practices that support diversity and inclusion in clinical research.

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Medical Writer

Medical Writers create and edit medical and scientific documents. This course, Faster Together, Enhancing the Recruitment of Marginalized Communities in Clinical Trials, may be useful for Medical Writers seeking to enhance their skills in writing and communicating about clinical trials to diverse audiences. The course's emphasis on clear communication, addressing health literacy challenges, and cultural sensitivity provides Medical Writers with valuable insights for effectively engaging with marginalized communities and promoting equitable participation in clinical trials.

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Biostatistician

Biostatisticians apply statistical methods to analyze and interpret medical and health data. This course, Faster Together, Enhancing the Recruitment of Marginalized Communities in Clinical Trials, may be useful for Biostatisticians seeking to gain a better understanding of the factors influencing clinical trial participation among marginalized communities. The course's focus on understanding barriers, community engagement, and equitable access provides valuable insights for Biostatisticians to inform statistical analysis and interpretation practices that support diversity and inclusion in clinical research.

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Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists investigate the distribution and causes of health-related states and events in populations. This course, Faster Together, Enhancing the Recruitment of Marginalized Communities in Clinical Trials, may be useful for Epidemiologists seeking to gain a better understanding of the factors influencing clinical trial participation among marginalized communities. The course's focus on understanding barriers, community engagement, and equitable access provides valuable insights for Epidemiologists to inform research design and analysis practices that support diversity and inclusion in clinical research.

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Clinical Research Associate

Clinical Research Associates assist with the design, implementation, and management of clinical trials. This course, Faster Together, Enhancing the Recruitment of Marginalized Communities in Clinical Trials, may be useful for Clinical Research Associates seeking to enhance their skills in participant recruitment and retention. The course's focus on understanding barriers, fostering community engagement, and conducting effective pre-consent education provides valuable insights for Clinical Research Associates to contribute to equitable recruitment and retention practices in clinical trials.

See salaries and explore the career path for Clinical Research Associate