About SENSITISE

The SENSITISE project focuses on inclusive clinical trials training and education to increase the involvement of under-served groups in clinical research. Co-funded by the European Union through the EU ERASMUS + programme (2023-1-IE02-KA220-HED-000159532). The three-year project began at the end of 2023 and the expected training materials will be available before the end of the project in 2026.  

The SENSITISE project builds on work already carried out within the consortium to support an understanding of effective clinical trial design. By reaching out to two key stakeholder groups, future trialists and current trialists, with dedicated training materials that support the development of inclusive practices SENSITISE aims to encourage change and ensure appropriate representation of under-served groups. 

Why the Need for Inclusive Clinical Trials?

There are many groups that have been routinely ignored or forgotten in trials. This contributes to persistent inequality and poorer health.  

Under-served groups in clinical trials include the elderly (particularly those >75 years of age), ethnic minorities, the socioeconomically disadvantaged, pregnant and lactating women, LGBTQ+ community, rural dwellers and those with comorbidities including disability, mental health conditions or cognitive impairment, amongst others. ​ 

Some factors that hinder the issue concern questions around consent and language support, criteria such as ‘not considered eligible by clinician’, or the distance to the clinical site. In order to ensure broad applicability of the results to the population and at times specific subgroups it is essential to have a representative sample.

In summary, trials are currently designed around the needs of the majority, not the under-served in our societies. This leads to pervasive and persistent inequality and poor health outcomes in these groups. 

What Are the Expected Project Outcomes?

Over the course of the project, the consortium members will develop the materials and infrastructure necessary to host the dedicated training on inclusive clinical trials. More specifically these include:  

1. An online, open-access curriculum on inclusivity in clinical trials for undergraduate biomedical and health professions students.​ 
2. Teacher guides to accompany each lesson.​ 
3. Translation of the lessons and workshop materials into Czech, German & French.​ 
4. A workshop for individuals working in and researching clinical trials. ​ 
5. Learning management system to host the curriculum. ​ 
6. Dedicated SENSITISE website with project information.​ 
7. Broader representation of under-served groups in clinical trials.

Erasmus+ Funding

Project title:	Inclusive Clinical Trials: Training and Education to Increase Involvement of Under-Served Groups
Acronym:	SENSITISE
Project number:	2023-1-IE02-KA220-HED-000159532
Disclaimer:	Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or Higher Education Authority, Ireland (HEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.