Clinical Trials and the Oncology Nurse’s Role in Advancing Health Equity

Clinical trials advance the field of oncology, but inequities in clinical trial participation perpetuate inequities in research and development. Oncology nurses can reduce these inequities in clinical trial participation and access. This article examines the four phases of a clinical trial, identifies the purpose of each phase and the equity barriers present in each, and explores ways to improve participant access and representation in each. AT A GLANCE ɔ Every phase of a clinical trial has a specific purpose and participant characteristics, factors that can create different health equity barriers. ɔ Barriers to health equity continue to affect the underrepresentation of racial and ethnic minority groups and other underrepresented populations in clinical trials during every phase of the clinical trial, ranging from structural and systemic barriers to eligibility criteria, geographic concentration of clinical trial sites, financial burden, and historical mistrust. ɔ Oncology nurses promote health equity in clinical research by increasing trial literacy, facil-itating culturally appropriate informed consent, advocating for equitable eligibility criteria, and providing ongoing support to patients through-out their participation in clinical trials.