Developing a supportive virtual human to deliver clinical trial education for older women and other populations historically excluded from research.

Abstract

This study aimed to identify communication strategies that virtual humans (VHs) discussing clinical trials can use to foster positive relationships with older women to better deliver research education. A template thematic analysis and matrix analysis of 10 interviews and 3 focus groups with 37 older women identifying as White non-Hispanic, Black, or Hispanic/Latinx were conducted. VHs can foster positive relationships with older women during clinical trial education by communicating social support. At the same time, VHs should convey credibility. Factors shaping experiences of the VHs' support and credibility include race and ethnicity, comfort with research and technology, and current health status. Deploying communication strategies that foster positive relationships between VHs and older women are crucial for optimizing the use of VHs during clinical trial education for populations historically excluded from research. This study provides a cohesive framework guiding the development of VH clinical trial educators for older women to meet their communication needs. The framework may extend to other populations historically excluded from research and real human clinical trial educators. This work was supported by the National Institute on Aging National Institutes of Health, Award R24AG074867 (PIs: Krieger and Anton).