OBJECTIVES: Asian Filipino, Native Hawaiian (NH), and Pacific Islander (PI) populations are often underrepresented in clinical trials. To increase diversity in clinical trials, effective communication channels need to be established. The goal of this study was to examine how these populations want to receive information on clinical trials.

METHODS: For this descriptive study, in-person semi-structured interviews were conducted in English for a convenience sample of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who were hospitalized at a large medical center in Hawaii [Asian Filipino n=15; NH n=16; PI n=15].

RESULTS: Approximately 58% were aged 40 to 64; 30% were aged 65 and older; and 39% were female. Overall, 86% of patients reported wanting to receive information about clinical trials for which they might be eligible. Among Asian Filipino patients, 80% said they wanted clinical trial information to come from their physicians; 67% through physical mail; 53% via texts; 53% via emails. Among NH, 53% wanted clinical trial information from their physicians; 53% via texts; 41% through physical mail. Among PI, 50% said they wanted to receive clinical trial information from their physicians; 50% via texts; 50% via emails. Receiving information from churches and newspapers were the least preferred ways to reach clinical trial participants.

CONCLUSIONS: For all respondents, nearly 90% of patients wanted to receive clinical trial information. Most wanted the information from their physicians. In addition, texts and physical mail were often cited as preferred communication modes.