More Than Good Intentions: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Requires a Program-Level, Strategic Framework

Sponsors understand the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) efforts and have begun to implement them in their trials, but diversity in clinical trials has yet to be achieved.

To address this gap between aspiration and execution, sponsors — as well as sites and CROs — must recognize that DE&I is not merely another project. Neither is it a series of tactics. It is a systemic, top down transformation that must be managed strategically at the program level. The DE&I strategy must be communicated and implemented across your trial sites, including referral sites. It needs to extend into the nearby community-based sources of potential patients. Most importantly, no one can execute a diversity strategy alone.