A mixed-methods study on the recruitment of patients from ethnic minority groups to clinical trials in a central London teaching hospital

The under-representation of people from minority ethnic populations in clinical research remains a major challenge, impacting on the rigour and applicability of findings as well as implying some populations are missing out on the benefits of research. Study design needs to place greater emphasis on patient need and convenience and therefore to take greater account of the deterrent effect of financial and time burdens on trial participants. Recruiting sites and sponsors need to review the provision of interpreting and translation support for trials, including availability and cost to individual studies and staff confidence in reliability.