Healthcare Digital November 2023 | Page 12

THE HEALTHCARE INTERVIEW

“ WE ’ VE IMPLEMENTED PROGRAMMES THAT INCREASE THE DIVERSITY OF TRIALS ”

These programmes provide a roadmap of best practices to help community-based clinics create clinical trial research centres of excellence . The initiative also provides grants to support the hiring and training of research coordinators and data managers and help guide the launch of research programmes .
Our first project is centred in Louisville , Kentucky , and is focused on helping patients in historically redlined areas of Louisville access clinical trial opportunities . ‘ Redlining ’ is a discriminatory practice that has resulted
JENNIFER JONES- MCMEANS
TITLE : DIVISIONAL VP OF GLOBAL CLINICAL AFFAIRS
COMPANY : ABBOTT LOCATION : US
For the past 14 years , Jones-
McMeans has worked on gaining approval for numerous medical devices , and also leads Abbot ’ s Diversity in Research Office , which is focused on driving diversity in the company ’ s clinical trials and improving access to care among underrepresented populations . in equities in diverse populations . We ’ re excited to launch this project and make an impact in the community .
HOW WILL THIS IMPROVE CARE AMONG UNDERREPRESENTED POPULATIONS ?

» As a global healthcare company , it is necessary that we focus and analyse the patient life span across all backgrounds . By diversifying clinical trials , we are confident that we will produce more effective medical devices and therapies , resulting in widespread improvements of healthcare outcomes .

By addressing the four key barriers to clinical trials enrollment : lack of access to trials , lack of trust , lack of understanding and lack of common language , Abbott ’ s Diversity in Research Office will drive continued progress with these programmes . Our goal is to create a blueprint for others to follow , resulting in a more equitable clinical trial ecosystem .
WHAT IS ABBOTT ’ S DIVERSITY IN RESEARCH OFFICE ( DIRO )?

» Along with our partner programmes , Abbott established the new Diversity in Research Office to focus on driving diversity in the company ’ s clinical trials and improving access to care among under-represented populations .

The role of the new office is to ensure research efforts include diverse plans and key
12 November 2023