Arthritis Research Canada Takes Steps to Improve Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Research

January 3, 2025 (Vancouver) – A New Arthritis Research Canada study reveals a need to include more underrepresented populations in research to improve the quality of care for people living with arthritis.

“We know that health outcomes vary according to a person’s education level, income and geographic location,” said Dr. Mary De Vera, a senior scientist at Arthritis Research Canada. “This research shows that prioritizing equity, diversity, and inclusion in arthritis research could provide us with more information on how arthritis affects patients differently to provide better care.”

Many arthritis studies lack diversity in their participants. Too many participants are often white, middle-aged, and female and fail to include or report on a diverse range of demographic factors.

“This limits our ability to use research findings to improve care for underrepresented communities that face health inequities,” said Megan Thomas, a PhD candidate and research trainee at Arthritis Research Canada.

This study is the first in Canada to examine how researchers view equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in arthritis research and suggest ways to overcome related challenges.

The research team conducted interviews to investigate how Canadian researchers in arthritis have used EDI principles to inform their research. Key themes emerged from the interviews that underscored the fact that representation matters.

There are benefits of prioritizing EDI in research, as this helps generate more inclusive knowledge and reduces health disparities among diverse populations.

The research revealed crucial barriers to participating in research, including mistrust from historically marginalized groups due to past exploitation, unintended negative consequences of EDI efforts, limited access to research opportunities for underrepresented groups, and logistical challenges in including diverse populations.

“Our study identified important areas of focus to prioritize equity, diversity, and inclusion in research,” said Dr. De Vera. “We must build partnerships with underrepresented communities, assemble diverse research teams, incentivize researchers and research funders to prioritize equity, diversity, and inclusion, and practice humility and respect for diverse perspectives in research settings.”

There is a critical need for more diverse representation in arthritis research to improve health outcomes for people from various backgrounds. Addressing existing barriers and facilitating supportive partnerships are essential to achieving better diversity in arthritis research, and Arthritis Research Canada is poised to lead the way.

To learn more about this research, click here.

To read the full research paper, click here.

– 30 –

ABOUT ARTHRITIS RESEARCH CANADA:

Arthritis Research Canada is the largest clinical arthritis research institution in North America. Our mission is to transform the lives of people impacted by arthritis through patient-centred research and engagement. Arthritis Research Canada’s scientific director, Dr. Diane Lacaille is leading a team of over 100 researchers, trainees and staff whose life-changing research is creating a future where people living with arthritis have the knowledge and tools to triumph over pain and disability. Arthritis Research Canada is now conducting arthritis research from coast to coast with centres in British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec, and Nova Scotia and scientists affiliated with eight major Canadian universities: University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, University of Calgary, Université Laval, McGill University, Université de Montréal, Université de Sherbrooke and Dalhousie University. Arthritis Research Canada is leading research aimed at preventing arthritis, facilitating early diagnosis, finding new and better treatments, and improving quality of life.

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Heather Caulder

Marketing and Communications Officer
Arthritis Research Canada
604-207-4010
hcaulder@arthritisresearch.ca