Redefining Community Engagement in Clinical Research
Pharmacies serve as trusted, accessible healthcare touchpoints in neighborhoods across the US. With its unique ability to act swiftly and innovatively, Acclinate partnered with Good Neighbor Pharmacy (GNP) — a network of independent pharmacies owned by Cencora — to explore how pharmacies can serve as activation points for community-driven clinical research. Conducted in the greater Philadelphia area, this initiative aimed to increase awareness, build trust, and engage local pharmacists as key facilitators of outreach and education.
Our Approach
Establishing pharmacies as trusted spaces for community education and patient engagement.
Leveraging pharmacists as ambassadors to provide accessible, culturally competent information.
Using real-world insights to tailor outreach strategies and improve clinical trial participation.
Pharmacies are uniquely positioned at the intersection of trust and access in healthcare. Through this collaboration, we’re demonstrating how community pharmacies can be powerful partners in expanding clinical research participation and addressing longstanding disparities.
– Angela Ricketts, Senior Director of Product Management, Global Products & Solutions, Cencora
Our Initial Results
Through targeted outreach and pharmacy-driven education, this initiative engaged 228 individuals, revealing critical insights that inform future community-centered research efforts:
82.4%
of total respondents were aware of clinical research
65.8%
of Black American respondents knew about clinical trials, compared to 85.5% of White American respondents
~78%
of respondents reported never being asked to participate in a clinical trial
2nd
pharmacists second most trusted after primary care doctors
0-10
minutes traveled by respondents to visit their pharmacy
>50%
of respondents visit their pharmacy monthly
Notable Findings
The findings from this pilot study highlight strategic opportunities to enhance community-driven clinical research engagement:
Lower awareness among Black American respondents: Enhancing engagement campaigns within Black American communities can close the knowledge gap.
High pharmacist trust levels: Empowering pharmacists as community ambassadors can foster trust and increase participation.
Limited prior trial invitations: Utilizing pharmacies as recruitment sites can bridge the awareness-to-participation gap.
Convenience of pharmacy visits: Positioning trials within the pharmacy setting can mitigate participation barriers.
Paving New Pathways to Equitable Research
The collaboration between Cencora and Acclinate underscores the integral role of pharmacies in community-driven research engagement. By leveraging trusted relationships, accessible locations, and real-world insights, this initiative lays the foundation for a more inclusive approach to clinical trials.
Join us in advancing health equity and ensuring all voices shape the future of medical research.
Springfield Pharmacy's Chi Chi Momah shares her story
