Diversifying the research landscape: Assessing barriers to research for underrepresented populations in an online study of Parkinson’s disease

Abstract

Despite federal regulations mandating the inclusion of underrepresented groups in research, recruiting diverse participants remains challenging. Identifying and implementing solutions to recruitment barriers in real time might increase the participation of underrepresented groups. Hence, the present study created a comprehensive dashboard of barriers to research participation. Barriers to participation were recorded in real time for prospective participants. Overall, 230 prospective participants expressed interest in the study but were unable to join due to one or more barriers. Awareness of the most common obstacles to research in real time will give researchers valuable data to meaningfully modify recruitment methods.

Keywords

• Research barriers
• Parkinson’s disease
• underrepresented groups
• diverse representation
• disparities
• health equity