Disparities and diversity in biomedical research

Abstract

There is convincing evidence that not all segments of the population have benefited equally from the scientific advances of the past several decades. Persistent differences exist in health status and health care outcomes as a function of race, ethnicity, English language proficiency, insurance status, and other social, economic, and demographic characteristics. Achieving health equity across all population groups is a national priority that will require vision and commitment from all sectors; however, the research community is central to attaining this goal. This undertaking involves significant conceptual, methodological, and practical challenges, as well as consideration of the current scientific context within which research on minority populations occurs. The elimination of health disparities will require the engagement of the entire spectrum of basic, clinical, health services and behavioral research to inform our understanding of the underlying mechanisms that cause disparities and the development of evidence-based interventions to eliminate them. The collection of granular data on individual demographic and social characteristics in all research studies and in all health care settings is an essential component to meeting these challenges. Development of a culturally competent and diverse research workforce is also critical to the elimination of health disparities. Innovative pipeline programs are needed to engage Black, Latino, Native American, and disadvantaged youth in research exposure and training activities to increase the diversity of the research workforce.