Teenagers and young people deserve clearer trial information
Why are young people underrepresented in clinical trials? Because trial information is complex, confusing, and not designed with them. This project is creating digital tools with young people to make trial information simple and engaging.
Project information
Lead Applicant: Dr Gillian Horne, Senior Clinical Research Fellow and Honorary Consultant
Institution: The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre and University of Glasgow
Why this matters
Teenagers and young adults (TYA) with blood cancer are missing out on clinical trials despite trials improving outcomes. Why? Because current trial information is often long, technical and written for adults. For young people, this can feel overwhelming and confusing, especially when decisions need to be made quickly. This results in low engagement, missed opportunities, and less inclusive research.
Improving trial access for teenagers and young adults is vital for equitable cancer care. By modernising communication, recruitment, and support, we ensure every young person benefits and contributes to evidence shaping future treatment.
- Dr Gillian Horne
Project at a glance
The project team plans to transform how trial information is shared. Over the next couple of months, healthcare professionals and young people will work together to co-design a digital information package that meets their needs.
Healthcare professionals will aim to address how young people would like to access information about trials. This could be through videos, illustrated guides or interactive tools.
Ideas will be tested with young people through focus groups and interviews to explore barriers and preferences. The project team will offer interpreter support to ensure diverse voices are represented.
Looking ahead
The project aims to set a new standard for trial communication. By making consent simple and empowering, the team hopes to boost trial participation, improve outcomes and create a scalable model for other age groups and health conditions. This work will help build a future where every young person can make an informed choice about their care.
We want to build a sustainable and inclusive model for TYA trial information and engagement. So that every young person regardless of background or diagnosis feels informed and empowered to take part in research if they choose.
- Dr Gillian Horne
Meet the grant holders
Explore innovative projects funded through our Clinical Improvement Programme. See how healthcare professionals across the UK are improving access and awareness of blood cancer clinical trials.