Poster Presentation Clinical Oncology Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting 2026

Improving Cultural Safety in Clinical Research: A Systematic Review of Interventions to Improve Research Literacy and Clinical Trial Engagement in Multicultural and First Nations Populations (146349)

Fisaha Tesfay 1 2 3 , Athulya Harikrishna 4 , Alexander Li 3 , Shaz Sazali 1 2 3 , Payam Faizi Faizi Sobbi 1 , Hao Tran 1 , Wei Chua 1 3 4 , Abhijit Pal 1 3 4
  1. Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
  2. UNSW Medicine, UNSW, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
  3. Western Sydney University, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
  4. South Western Sydney Local Health District , Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia

Background: Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD), First Nations and ethnic minority communities in high-income countries experience poorer health outcomes due to inequities in research literacy and clinical trial participation. Barriers include mistrust of research and healthcare systems, limited health literacy, language barriers, and inadequate cultural responsiveness in healthcare. This rapid review will synthesise evidence on interventions designed to improve research literacy and clinical trial engagement among culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD), ethnic minority, and First Nations communities. Findings will inform the development of a community ambassador program in a diverse part of Australia to build trust, empower communities, and advance equity, in clinical trial participation.

Methods: This systematic review will synthesise evidence from high-income countries on interventions to improve health and biomedical research literacy, research and clinical trial participation among CALD and First Nations populations. A comprehensive search of MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Global Health, Scopus, and Web of Science will identify eligible peer-reviewed studies. Studies evaluating interventions and reporting outcomes related to research literacy, or trial participation using quantitative or qualitative methods will be included. Study quality will be assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools, and findings will be synthesised narratively in accordance with PRISMA guidelines.

Results: This systematic review is ongoing, with findings to be presented on existing interventions to improve research literacy, research and clinical trial participation among CALD and First Nations. The review aims to inform the development of effective, evidence based, strategies to promote equitable research and clinical trial participation among priority populations

Conclusions: This study will provide important insights into existing interventions designed to improve research literacy and participation in clinical research, with implications for the design and implementation of strategies to enhance participation in cancer clinical trials among culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities and other priority populations in Australia.