Inclusivity in Bipolar At-risk Trials
Bipolar At-Risk Trial (BART) is a clinical research trial led by Professor Sophie Parker. BART investigates if cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a beneficial intervention for young people with distressing mood swings. BART was first conducted in the Greater Manchester region during 2015-2018 and found that CBT improved mood and functioning for those who meet bipolar at-risk criteria.
We know that there is no significant difference in the prevalence of bipolar disorder across ethnicity groups. However, the BART sample did not represent the local population of UK ethnic minority people in Manchester well.
We have been granted NIHR funding to conduct the BART trial again across five sites around England (Manchester, Lancashire, Sheffield, Birmingham, and Norfolk & Suffolk). We also have additional funding to prioritise the inclusive delivery of BART II. This time round, BART II has an inclusivity workstream that is working to address the underrepresentation of UK ethnic minority participants in BART II and other research trials.
This workstream will help address inequalities in health and research. It is important there is representation in BART II and other research trials to be sure that the findings and outcomes serve a greater proportion of the UK population.
UK ethnic minority people with bipolar disorder are more likely to experience misdiagnosis which impacts their ability to access intervention strategies, evidence-based medications and psychological therapy.
UK ethnic minority participants are underrepresented across research and clinical trials in general. Although, they are as likely as white counterparts to consent to take part in a clinical trial, but to do so, they need to be invited and provided with the same information and opportunity.
The BART II Inclusivity Workstream has the potential to improve health outcomes for participants and their communities. This work is important, for ensuring that UK Ethnic Minority people are invited, informed, and given the opportunity to take part in ground-breaking research.”
It is important that in BART II, we consider and work to address the ways that UK ethnic minority participants face barriers to participation in our trial. To do this, we need to consider ways to work around inaccessible materials, as well as ways to build trust and respect.
To ensure that UK ethnic minority participants are given the same opportunity to take part in BART II, the inclusivity workstream is dedicating targeted efforts, resource and funding to tackle health inequalities experienced by UK ethnic minority groups. We have three Research Assistants working on the inclusivity workstream of BART II; Maryam, Olivia and Rimsha.
We have a diverse team working on the inclusivity workstream which provides unique insight into the barriers and challenges related to accessing services for UK ethnic minority groups. We are also taking active steps to learn from stakeholders and build engagement and trust with local communities.
We also have a dedicated Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) group of people who identify as belonging to a UK ethnic minority group.
This group will be integral to shaping this workstream and are incredibly passionate about working with us to increase inclusive participation. One of their early tasks is to create an animation to support inclusive recruitment within this field.
Taking part in research has helped me beyond what I can imagine. I want everyone to have the chance to have this offered to them too. For people to make their own decisions. Making sure research is inclusive, reaching all members of each community so they can access the help they need is why I am working on this study.
We know how important it is to develop community relationships and so Maryam, Olivia and Rimsha are reaching out to community-based groups and services to collaborate. They are happy to meet in person or online to chat about Bipolar At-Risk Trial II (BART II) and its inclusivity workstream. Our collaboration approach is flexible, and we hope to improve access for UK ethnic minority people to participate in the trial.
If you are interested in BART II, want to take part, or want to find out more you can follow the trial on Twitter: @BipolarAtRisk
