The VOICE Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding challenges faced by participants from ethnic minority backgrounds in HIV clinical research
IRAS ID
355976
Contact name
Alexia Cheneau
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
In recent years, it has become clear that including people from different ethnic backgrounds in research is very important. Data from the COVID-19 pandemic showed that ethnic minority groups had higher rates of long-term illness and death compared to White patients. This pattern is also seen in other health conditions, including HIV, and is showing the urgent need for more inclusive research to make sure treatments are safe and effective for everyone. Due to stigma in some communities, it is vital to raise awareness and encourage more people from ethnic minorities to take part in research. If we do not do this, health inequalities will continue.
This project will explore the barriers that people from ethnic minority backgrounds face when asked to take part in HIV research. The aim is to better understand these challenges and find ways to overcome them. A key goal is to develop long-term solutions that help research teams reach out to these communities more effectively. The project also focuses on building trust and strong relationships, so that people feel safe, respected, and confident when invited to join research.
The study will use focus groups led by researchers. Each participant will attend two sessions to help build group trust. The first session will look at the barriers to participation. The second will explore practical solutions. Before and after the focus groups, participants will complete short questionnaires to share their views on HIV research. The data collected will help us to measure the impact of the focus groups.
This observational study will offer useful insights into the challenges faced by ethnic minority communities in HIV research. In the long term, it aims to improve participation and lead to the creation of new ‘equality and diversity’ guidelines tailored for HIV research at Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust.REC name
London - Westminster Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/LO/0790
Date of REC Opinion
8 Dec 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion