We Put a Hug Around The Science
32,000+ patients
clinical trials
Clinical Trial participation is not commensurate with the burden of disease.
Clinical Trial Equity Scorecard
This highlights the staggering “Participation Gap” across the disease states where Black communities carry the heaviest burden but have the lightest representation.
Breast Cancer
Burden
40%
(ACS Cancer Statistics)
Reality
~40%
(JAMA, 2021)
Underrepresented: Black women have the highest mortality rates, but are underrepresented in trials
*Gap between how many get the disease and how many are included in trials
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What do we do
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Strategy
While standard CROs are logistics-driven, we are Equity-Driven, focusing on representation that is commensurate with the burden of disease.
Recruitment
We move beyond passive digital ads to "Transcreate" protocols into the language of the community, connecting where we live, work, pray, play, and slay
Navigation
We offer 24/7/365 personal access to the Triple Threat, pre-emptively managing the social determinants of health that others ignore.
Retention
By building relationships rather than just using automated apps, we achieve up to a 50% increase in retention, securing regulatory compliance and data integrity.
Touch Care
To facilitate the clinical trial process for Black women, TOUCH is providing a Nurse Navigator Service to assist patients with securing trials, the application process, managing the informed consent process and providing coaching and counseling throughout the trial.
Patient Navigation
A navigation program that addressed insurance, food, housing, transportation, language, health literacy, social and clinical needs increased participation in clinical research:
Before Navigation* | After Navigation* | |
|---|---|---|
Rural | 19% | 40% |
Black | 13% | 41% |
Hispanic | 5% | 33% |
* Participation (% of patients)
AACR Cancer Disparities Progress Report 2024
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Our Ecosystem of Trust
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Curated Site & Provider Networks
Community-Driven Recruitment Network
We build the community so you don’t have to. We bring a hand-picked, specially curated list of PIs and providers who possess a proven track record of recruiting and treating Black patients. We activate these sites by strategically linking them with our “Play & Slay” network of local advocacy groups, faith-based organizations, and support groups
Infrastructure-First Patient Engagement
We don’t just find patients; we bring the infrastructure. Navigating Trials maintains an exclusive, specially curated list of healthcare providers who possess a proven track record of successfully recruiting and treating Black patients. We don’t just “select sites”—we activate them.
360° Support Ecosystem
We build a 360-degree support community around these providers, strategically linking them with:
- Local Advocacy Groups: To provide grassroots validation.
- Support Groups: To ensure patients have a soft place to land.
- Faith-Based Organizations: To meet people where they pray and find strength.
This ecosystem ensures that when a trial opens, the community is already engaged, the trust is already built, and the provider is ready to lead.
Activated Provider Network Model
The Activated Ecosystem Most CROs start from zero with site recruitment. Navigating Trials arrives with a Proven Provider Network. These are doctors and clinics who have mastered the art and science of Black patient engagement. By surrounding these providers with our curated network of local advocacy and faith-based partners, we create a “Community Site” model that makes trial participation feel like a natural extension of a patient’s existing support system.
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Proben Impact
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Bridging the Gap Between Logistics and Legacy Why Standard CRO Approaches Fail the Black Community—And How We Solve It
Capabilities
The Navigating Trials Approach
Standard CRO Approach
Strategy
Equity-Driven: Focuses on representation that is commensurate with the burden of disease.
Logistics-Driven: Focused on site feasibility and hitting "bulk" enrollment numbers.
Recruitment
Culturally Humble: "Transcreates" protocols into the language of the community; connects where we live, work, pray, play, and slay.
Passive/Digital: Relies on generic portals and social media ads that lack cultural nuances.
Navigation
Pre-emptive & Personal: 24/7/365 access to the Triple Threat—Black, Clinical Experts, and Survivors.
Clinical/Transactional: Patient interaction is limited to hospital hours and protocol check-ins.
Retention
Relationship-Based: We "Put a Hug Around the Science" to address fear, mistrust, and real-life barriers in real-time.
Automated: Uses text reminders and apps to keep patients on track.
The Result
Data Integrity: Higher engagement and retention (up to 50% increase), securing regulatory compliance and FDA approval.
Data Gaps: High drop-out rates among Black participants; incomplete efficacy data.
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Metrics
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How We Measure Success
At Navigating Trials, we provide a robust set of metrics that move beyond standard recruitment to focus on data integrity and health equity.
Recruitment & Equity Metrics
- Actual trial recruitment numbers
Retention & Navigation Metrics
- Navigator Interventions: Volume and types of “24/7/365” interactions provided by the Triple Threat team to resolve barriers like fear or logistical hurdles.
- Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Resolution: Tracking the number of participants who remained in a trial because their transportation, childcare, or mistrust issues were managed in real-time.
Operational & Compliance Metrics
- Site Activation Speed: Metrics on how quickly a “Proven Provider” from your curated network was able to reach enrollment targets
Community & Qualitative Insights
- Trust Sentiment Analysis: Qualitative data regarding community perceptions of the sponsor and the trial before and after the “Navigating Trials” engagement.
