Clinical trials

On December 1 each year, you will find countries around the world commemorating World AIDS Day to raise awareness of the spreading of HIV infection. Each year, a theme is chosen for the campaign by UNAIDS.

Do patients who are immigrants from Central American countries prefer to be examined by a clinician of the same gender? Should a nurse make direct eye contact when addressing an elderly patient from Nigeria? What cultural traditions need to be respected when caring for a dying Korean patient?

Given the major health issues disproportionately affecting minorities, there are life-altering reasons to target such communities for clinical trials and research. But doing so requires combating lingering mistrust, reaching out to neighborhood allies, and even educating yourself.