May 31, 2023

PiVOT Celebrates Pride Month: PiVOTing towards Diversity and Inclusivity in Clinical Trials

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As we celebrate Pride month, it’s important to take a moment to reflect on the strides we’ve made towards greater diversity and inclusivity in clinical trials and the work that still needs to be done to ensure that members of the LGBTQIA+ community are fully included in these efforts.

At PiVOT, the largest and fastest-growing Philippine CRO, we are proud to have a diverse team that brings a wealth of experience and perspectives to our work, and we’re dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We believe that everyone should have the freedom to be their true selves, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. That’s why we are committed to treating all members of our team with respect and creating an environment where LGBTQIA+ individuals feel safe and valued. We believe that diversity is a strength, and we are proud to have members of the LGBTQIA+ community on our team.

We firmly believe that diversity and inclusivity are key to unlocking the full potential of clinical research and ensuring that every patient has access to the best possible healthcare solutions.

While there has been an increasing awareness of the importance of diversity in clinical research, the LGBTQIA+ community has been historically underrepresented in these efforts, which is alarming given the significant health disparities this community faces. Members of the LGBTQIA community are more likely to experience health issues such as HIV/AIDS, mental health concerns, and certain types of cancer. However, the lack of engagement of this community in clinical research trials has led to notable data deficits and limited access to potentially life-saving treatments and therapies. This needs to change.

This is particularly true in the Philippines, where the LGBTQIA+ community faces substantial discrimination and difficulties in their everyday lives, especially when seeking healthcare. Many individuals in this community report feeling uncomfortable or unsafe revealing their gender identity or sexual orientation to healthcare professionals. This situation highlights the urgent need for more inclusive and non-judgmental healthcare services that cater to the unique needs of LGBTQIA+ individuals.

At PiVOT, we are committed to doing our part to bridge this gap. We recognize that much work must be done to ensure that clinical research trials are truly inclusive of all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. This includes addressing any potential biases or barriers within the research community and actively seeking out and engaging with potential clinical trial enrollees who identify as LGBTQIA+. In addition, we believe it is important to provide education and training to all stakeholders in the clinical research process, including clinical researchers, investigators, sponsors, healthcare providers, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community themselves. It’s also important to make sure that protocols are designed with diversity in mind. This means differentiating between sex and gender, avoiding gender-specific pronouns, being careful about assumptions of heterosexuality, and ensuring that study materials present an inclusive and welcoming message.

Making slight modifications to clinical procedures, informed consent papers, and data collection forms can greatly enhance data analysis and provide a better comprehension of the healthcare necessities of this community. Furthermore, these adjustments can promote inclusivity and a welcoming atmosphere, making research studies more comfortable and secure for individuals identifying as LGBTQIA+.

By increasing awareness and understanding of this community’s unique health needs and concerns, we can help ensure that clinical research trials are designed and conducted in a way that truly addresses these needs.

As we celebrate PRIDE month, let’s take the opportunity to pivot towards greater diversity and inclusivity in clinical research trials. We believe it is crucial to include the LGBTQIA+ community in all types of clinical research to address the significant health disparities this community faces. Let us work together towards a future where everyone has equal access to healthcare and life-saving treatments.

Source:

Making Clinical Research Inclusive: Strategies to Include the LGBTQIA+ Community in Research Trials

Intersectionality and the Invisibility of transgender health in the Philippines

BEING LGBT IN ASIA: THE PHILIPPINES COUNTRY REPORT