Enhancing Patient Access to Clinical Trials in Underserved Communities

Exciting news for patient care in Oklahoma! The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences is joining a groundbreaking initiative with the National Institute of Health (NIH) to bring clinical research directly into primary care practices, especially in rural, underserved, and Tribal areas. This means that patients in these communities will have better access to the latest medical research and treatments without having to travel far.

With $1.2 million in initial funding, researchers from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences will help build a nationwide network that makes it easier for primary care doctors to use new medical evidence in their everyday care. The NIH launched Communities Advancing Research Equity (CARE) for Health™ as a pilot program to enhance the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences strategic commitment to improving the health of Oklahomans by collaborating with various ongoing research initiatives. This will speed up the adoption of new treatments and improve the quality of care patients receive.

Associate director for community outreach and engagement at OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center and co-principal investigator, Mark Doescher, M.D., MSPH, brings experience in helping primary care practices overcome obstacles to participating in clinical trials. The commitment goes beyond offering trials and expands to actively working to remove obstacles that might stand in the patients’ way. Whether it's arranging transportation, internet access, or minimizing treatment delays, there is support for the patient every step of the way.

One of the first projects the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences will join is a study aimed at improving the physical function of older adults treated for cancer. This study will help determine if a standardized health and exercise program can benefit patients in rural areas.

Overall, this initiative will help ensure that the latest medical advancements reach patients more quickly, improving health outcomes and quality of life for many Oklahomans.

This is a big step forward in making advanced healthcare accessible to everyone, no matter where they live in Oklahoma supporting the clinical, research, and educational missions of OU Health and the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences.

Read more from the University of Oklahoma about the impact of CARE.
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Receives Federal Funding to Improve Health Care Access Across the State