Improving access to clinical trials for diverse patient populations in North Carolina
Official title: Building Hybrid Operations to Promote Equity (HOPE) and improve clinical trial access across North Carolina
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11045885 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to make it easier for people from different backgrounds, especially those in rural areas or minority groups, to join and stay in clinical trials by using local healthcare providers and digital tools, so you don’t have to travel as much to participate.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $250,000 |
| NIH project number | 1U01FD008266-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11045885 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals from minority groups, rural communities, elderly patients, and those with limited access to healthcare resources.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not part of underrepresented groups or those who have easy access to traditional clinical trial sites may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance the recruitment and retention of diverse patient populations in clinical trials by implementing hybrid decentralized clinical trials (DCTs). These trials allow local healthcare providers to conduct certain tasks, making participation more convenient for patients while reducing the need for frequent visits to trial sites. By utilizing digital health tools and leveraging established relationships between patients and local providers, the research seeks to address barriers faced by underrepresented groups, including minorities and those in rural areas. The goal is to create a more inclusive clinical trial environment that reflects the diversity of the population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more equitable access to clinical trials and improved treatment outcomes for diverse patient populations.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using hybrid decentralized clinical trials to improve diversity and access in clinical research, indicating that this approach is gaining traction.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Morrison, Julia Kaitlin — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Morrison, Julia Kaitlin
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.