VIDEO: Resources to ensure ethnic diversity in COVID-19 research

People from black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) groups are disproportionately affected by coronavirus infection, so it’s imperative that they’re included in COVID-19 research.

Professor Kamlesh Khunti and Professor Azhar Farooqi from the Leicester Diabetes Centre and Centre for BME Health share some tips on how to successfully involve people from BAME backgrounds into research.

Ethnic inequalities in health and social care outcomes have been well documented in published research. This disparity is even more stark in the COVID-19 pandemic, where it has become clear that people from black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) groups are disproportionately affected by coronavirus infection. 

BAME groups are much less likely to be represented in research studies. The reasons for this are complex, with some of the barriers arising out of cultural differences, health literacy, language and accessibility, as well as stigma regarding some health conditions.

Data on participants’ ethnicity is still not being routinely collected in COVID-19 studies, meaning that there is no evidence available that this research is inclusive and representative of all populations. 

In partnership with the NIHR, a toolkit of videos and resources are available offering tips and advice on designing and delivering health and care research that is sensitive to and inclusive of people from BAME groups. The toolkit consists of:

• Three videos with an overview of how to ensure ethnic diversity in research, some specific advice on cultural competency, and tips direct from patients and the public

• A checklist to ensure all areas of research are equality focused

These new resources can be used alongside the Centre for BME Health’s existing toolkit for increasing participation of BAME groups in health and social care research.