Promoting equity, diversity and inclusion in randomised trials in Australia: designing a think tank using aspects of World Café and Yarning Circle methodologies

Abstract Background Equity, diversity and inclusion in randomised trials is widely acknowledged as a scientific and ethical imperative, yet persistent barriers remain relating to cultural, linguistic, geographical and other social and structural determinants of health. Such determinants become pervasive systemic barriers that compromise the real-world relevance of randomised trials and perpetuate health inequities. International and national Australian regulatory bodies promote equity, diversity and inclusion in randomised trials, but implementation is inconsistent. This commentary describes the methodological process to design and conduct a think tank event as a strategy to raise awareness and promote the consideration of equity, diversity and inclusion in randomised trials in Australia. Main body Through outreach via university and clinical research networks, we identified and invited 27 attendees to a think tank event that explored strategies for advancing equity, diversity and inclusion in Australian randomised trials. Held in Brisbane, Queensland, attendees included academics, clinician researchers, social impact and cultural diversity professionals, research ethics and governance professionals, consumer and community representatives, and other research-adjacent service providers. The event drew upon two participatory discussion methodologies, World Café and Yarning Circle, to facilitate in-depth conversation amongst the diverse attendees. Discussions flowed from three guiding questions regarding randomised trials in Australia: “What does health equity mean?”, “what factors influence health equity?”, and “what are the next steps?” Combining World Café’s structured, idea-generating format with Yarning Circle’s culturally grounded, relational approach enabled both breadth and depth of insights. Insights generated from the think tank event were graphically recorded by a professional artist, which will be combined with other collected data (online and table notes) to inform future actions. Conclusion Addressing equity, diversity and inclusion in randomised trials requires moving beyond policy statements to practical, collaborative action. Participatory methods such as World Café and Yarning Circle are favourable approaches for fostering inclusive dialogue and co-designing ideas that can inform future action.