Aim
Analysing the disparities in clinical trials (RCTs) across different geographical regions and how these disparities translate into evidence-based clinical guideline development.
Objectives
- To examine the gaps in clinical trials (RCTs) among geographical regions on specific clinical conditions.
- To examine the impact of these gaps on developing guidelines for clinical conditions.
- To highlight how funding contributes to the disparities in clinical trials among geographical regions.
Method
1. For objective one (1), the data extraction involved obtaining data on Interventional studies from ClinicalTrials.gov to identify the gaps in clinical trials related to specific clinical conditions.
2. For objective two (2), the data extraction involved reviewing the published Clinical guidelines (World Health Organisation (WHO) and other guidelines in the future) and identifying clinical trial studies (RCTs) published from the year 2000 referenced within these guidelines.
3. The extracted data were utilised to create an interactive dashboard that visually represents the gaps in clinical trials among geographical regions.
Key takeaways
1. There are limited clinical trials (RCTs) conducted by and within developing countries (Low- and Middle-Income countries) for clinical conditions that are not endemic in those regions.
2. The limited presence of clinical trials within these regions leads to a lack of representation of studies from these regions in the development of clinical guidelines for clinical conditions that are not endemic in those areas.
3. Developing countries face a scarcity of internal funding for clinical trials compared to developed countries.
Relevance of the project
The dashboard highlights the disparities and provides a comprehensive overview of the distribution of clinical trial studies (RCTs) used in developing clinical guidelines. Clinical research is pivotal in driving medical progress and improving global health. Serving as the cornerstone of modern healthcare, it propels medical innovation and advancements that potentially transform lives. Essential for advancing medical science and improving patient care, clinical research addresses the healthcare needs of individuals and communities. It is the foundation for evidence-based medicine, driving progress toward better health outcomes for all.
Gaps in clinical research can contribute to health disparities and inequities, especially among underrepresented populations. Inadequate representation of certain demographic groups in research studies may obscure the effectiveness of treatments for those populations, resulting in disparities in access to care and health outcomes.
Sources of data for dashboards
Trialgap Dashboard: Interventional Studies from Clinical trials.gov: as of 10th April 2024
Cliniguide Dashboard: WHO Clinical Guidelines:
1. Recommendations for management of common childhood conditions, January 2012.
2. WHO Guidelines for Malaria, March 2023.
3. WHO Guidelines for the pharmacological and radiotherapeutic management of cancer pain in adults and adolescents, January 2019.
4. Clinical management of COVID 19 Living guideline, January 2023.