Community Engagement

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Community sensitisation is a fundamental aspect of clinical trial operations anywhere in the world. Perhaps it is more important for trials being planned developing countries as the target patient population may be more vulnerable through poverty, illiteracy or the severity of the disease being studied. In rural developing country communities the very concept of research may be difficult to communicate. Community engagement activities are typically conducted as part of community entry strategies or as an essential supplement to informed consent processes. Despite the recognised importance of community sensitisation in clinical trials, relatively few sites have shared their community sensitisation strategies, the strengths and challenges they have faced or the steps taken to address these challenges.

In this section, expert social scientists who are highly experienced in community engagement will be describing why this is a fundamental area in the conduct of clinical trials. Example tools and training resources will be provided and well has pragmatic ‘how-to’ guidance. Whilst these are being written we welcome any specific suggestions, especially describing any problems, issues or uncertainties research groups have faced in the area of community engagement for clinical trials.

It would be beneficial to other sites if researchers would contribute their experiences and share any tools or resources they have developed. Any material submitted will be authored and is eligible for awarding CPD points.

This article originally appears on the Global Health Trials resources. Please visit us for more resources relating to trials.