Current inadequacies in relation to data on cultural, ethnic, and linguistic diversity impact research, as evidenced by frequent underrepresentation or exclusion (conscious or inadvertent) of people from diverse backgrounds in social and clinical research. Many clinical trials actively exclude these voices by insisting on English language proficiency as an inclusion criterion.
The validity of many studies is therefore compromised by not accurately reflecting the diversity of the Australian population.
Collaborative member, the Australian Clinical Trials Alliance, is leading work to address the underrepresentation of CALD people in clinical trials.
- In 2020 they released an environmental scan assessing clinical trial awareness and access amongst culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) populations:
- This was followed by the release of a Position Statement which outlines the foundational and core principles supporting the equitable and inclusive engagement of people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds in clinical trials.
- ACTA is now working on practical materials and resources to assist researchers to implement these principles.