ORPRN and the Oregon Clinical and Translational Research Institute (OCTRI) Community Program at OHSU began supporting listening sessions in 2024, exploring the unique challenges and opportunities for clinical research participation in rural and community-based practices. These sessions are part of the Community Practices Engaging in Clinical Trials Action Collaborative under the Forum on Drug Discovery, Development, and Translation of the National Academies.

OHSU is one of only five national sites invited to host regional listening sessions aimed at fostering collaboration among community clinics, patients, researchers, regulators, and industry stakeholders to build trust and enhance community engagement in clinical trials. The listening sessions, held in May, identified several priority health areas for research including chronic diseases, cancer, mental and behavioral health, maternity care, and health-related social needs. They also highlighted barriers such as patient mistrust, privacy concerns, cultural sensitivity, transportation challenges, and clinicians’ limited time to engage in research activities.

Melinda Davis, Ph.D., director of ORPRN and OCTRI Community Program, spoke about the sessions saying, “Our listening sessions engaged a diverse group of community partners, public health representatives, clinicians, and researchers to explore the benefits, barriers, and practical needs of engaging in clinical trials at the community level. We heard repeatedly about the importance of aligning research with local priorities and sustaining community trust through meaningful partnerships.”

Findings from the listening sessions were presented at the National Academies’ membership meeting on July 21 by ORPRN Practice Facilitator Veronica “Roni” Hyde, M.P.H. and Senior Project Manager Martha Snow, M.P.H. You can learn more about National Academies findings and upcoming events at their website.