8 - Does a dedicated research language services team increase enrollment and retention in Spanish speaking participants?

Background:  Minority populations are underrepresented in research, and interpreters who serve research may lack human subjects research experience. Inadequate services and vague laws/policies regarding inclusion of minorities may contribute to the lack of diversity. Does a University-Sponsored Language Services team trained in research increase the retention and recruitment of non-English-speaking participants?

Methods:  Gathered enrollment information, provided by the University-Sponsored Language Services Team, from 28 studies that used both the translation and interpretation services, from 58 studies that used only the Translation services, from 12 studies that used only the interpretation services, from 106 studies that used neither the translation nor interpretation.

Results:  For 28 included studies using both Translation and Interpretation services: 32,109 Total Participants, 627 Non-English Proficient Participants, 573 Spanish Speaking Participants, 1.95% of Total Enrollments Speak a Language other than English, 0.17% Speak a Language other than English or Spanish. Spanish-speaking Participant retainment rates are roughly ~95%.

Of the 573 total Spanish-speaking participants, 21 have dropped out, 338 are still in their respective studies, and 214 have completed the study. Still collecting information on further studies.

Statewide, 15.28% speak a language other than English. One-third of US Hispanics do not speak English proficiently. According to the 2020 Census, 15% of the population is Hispanic.

Limitations: Study teams not properly reporting non-English speaking participants. Studies vary in protocol, time commitment, etc.

Discussion:  Nearly 50% of the 28 studies may underrepresent Hispanic populations. Spanish-speaking Participant retainment rates are roughly ~95%.

Importance: A lack of cultural awareness among study teams, minority inclusion outreach, interpreter training, and laws/policies regarding Language Services Access may impact minority enrollments and retainment.

Future recommendations: Continuing Reviews should be stricter in reviewing participant reporting, Continuing Reviews should expand to include all demographic information to ensure better diversity, Study teams that do not expect a substantial number of non-English speakers should justify this decision, and Increase and Improve minority population outreach efforts. Importantly, ensure access to qualified and consistent language services.