Coronary disease & ACSResearch article
Patient Perspectives in Cardiovascular Research: A Qualitative Study of Barriers, Trust, and Strategies for Inclusive Clinical Trials
- qualitative study
- in-person and virtual focus groups and semistructured interviews
- guided by the Social-Ecological Model
- directed content analysis with a constant comparative approach
Authors' conclusion
Increasing representation of underrepresented populations in cardiovascular trials requires transparent, accessible communication and trust-centered recruitment strategies. Leveraging trusted healthcare providers and community-based outreach is critical to advancing equity in cardiovascular research.
Study context
- Population
- US adults who identified as Black or Hispanic and had a history of percutaneous coronary intervention, coronary artery bypass grafting, or advanced cardiovascular disease35 women, 7 men, 29 identified as Hispanic and 13 as Black · women 35 · men 7 · Hispanic 29 · Black 13
- Participants
- 42 adults
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Barriers to trial participation at the individual and interpersonal levels
- complex study materials, excessive medical jargon, and mistrust of randomization, with concerns about being assigned a less effective treatment
Further findings
Barriers at community and societal levels
- limited recruitment outreach, lack of culturally and linguistically appropriate materials, and mistrust stemming from historical research injustices
Facilitators to trial participation
- trust in healthcare providers, reassurance regarding treatment appropriateness, and involvement of family or support systems
- accessible, visual, and multilingual materials were highlighted to support understanding
Participant emphases
- plain language, visual, and multilingual materials, adequate time for shared decision-making, and transparent communication about study goals
Original publication
Patient Perspectives in Cardiovascular Research: A Qualitative Study of Barriers, Trust, and Strategies for Inclusive Clinical Trials. Circ Popul Health Outcomes. Published 12 June 2026. doi:10.1161/circoutcomes.125.012189
Summarised from the published abstract; every number is checked against it