Improving communication about clinical trials

This week's ACRP Wire highlights an article from the American Journal of Public Health which examines the problems with communication about clinical trials. Misinformation and miscommunication about the nature and the risks of clinical trials, specifically HIV vaccine trials, is inhibiting enrollment in these trials. In order for these trials to succeed, it is important to have the support and participation of high-risk groups and communities. But to get their participation, researchers have to improve how they communicate with community members and stakeholders. Improved communication will facilitate greater trust of the clinical research professionals, as the community will be able to see that they are working towards the same goal - improved health for the entire community.