Research Professionals Toolkit
Thank you for your interest in helping your patients learn about opportunities to volunteer for multiple sclerosis (MS) research! This toolkit is designed to help you learn more about what is currently known about MS in different racial and ethnic minorities, offer insights into the perceptions and concerns patients from different ethnic and racial backgrounds may have when it comes to research, and help you reach out to these communities and work with them in ways that are culturally appropriate, effective, and mutually beneficial.
Racial and ethnic minorities are underrepresented in MS research, resulting in a lack of evidence about their disease characteristics and optimal treatment. As a research professional, you can play a vital role in correcting this imbalance by working to include members of minority groups in the studies you conduct or support.
On the following pages, you’ll find tools and discussion guides, evidence-based research on patient perceptions, resources for identifying community leaders and reaching out to different groups, and educational materials to download for your patients and volunteers.
If you’d like to help share this toolkit within your network and community, we’ve provided newsletter text and social media messages for you to adapt and use. There are also drop-in PowerPoint slides for sharing information with your colleagues at meetings and grand rounds.
We’d like to know whether this toolkit is helpful! Once you’ve reviewed the toolkit and/or used the information and tools that it contains, please fill out our feedback survey here. You can also share your comments directly with us msminorityresearch@acceleratedcure.org.
