Bridging the gap and shaping inclusive trial access in Northern Ireland
Why are so few blood cancer patients in Northern Ireland (NI) taking part in research and how can this be changed? By combining data analysis, patient voices, and creative outreach, this initiative is reimagining how trials reach and support diverse communities across NI.
Project information
Team: Dr Sarah Lawless (Consultant Haematologist), Ruth Boyd (Cancer Research UK Senior Nurse), Dr Oonagh Sheehy (Consultant Haematologist)
Institution: Belfast City Hospital
Why this matters
Blood cancer patients in NI face significant barriers to accessing clinical trials. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, trial participation has dropped dramatically from an average of 84 patients per year to just 33. Contributing factors include:
- Limited availability of trials within NI.
- Centralisation of specialist treatments in Belfast or Great Britain which requires burdensome travel.
- Inequities linked to age, geography, socioeconomic status and lack of data to identify other potential inequity factors such as ethnicity.
- Lack of awareness and trust in clinical trials, especially among underserved communities.
These challenges have led to reduced trial access, missed treatment opportunities, and growing disparities in care. There’s an urgent need to understand and address these barriers to ensure fair and inclusive participation in blood cancer research.
We recognise that due to differences in commissioning pathways and our geographical location that patients from Northern Ireland face unique challenges relative to other devolved nations. We welcome this opportunity to increase access to trials.
- Dr Sarah Lawless, Consultant Haematologist
Project at a glance
This project tackles trial access barriers in Northern Ireland through three key actions:
- Analysing cancer registry data to uncover inequalities.
- Service evaluation and stakeholder engagement will gather patient and carer insights, and bring together key voices to co-create solutions.
- Using creative outreach to raise awareness and spark dialogue in diverse communities.
Patient voices guide every step to ensure meaningful, inclusive change.
Looking ahead
This project is designed to deliver both immediate and lasting benefits:
- For patients: Greater access to clinical trials, more treatment options, and support tailored to barrier identified.
- For researchers and clinicians: A deeper understanding of inequalities and patient experiences, informing future strategies and service improvements.
- For communities: Increased awareness and trust in clinical trials, especially among underserved groups.
- For NI’s research landscape: Evidence and momentum to influence 10-year cancer research plans, drive inclusion, and reinvigorate trial delivery.
By combining data, lived experience, and creative outreach, this initiative aims to make clinical trials more visible, accessible, and equitable for patients with blood cancer across Northern Ireland.
Blood cancer patients like me gain confidence when included in research. Collaborating with healthcare professionals empowers us, improves understanding, and offers hope showing that our lived experience is vital to advancing treatment and care.
- Aidan McCormick, Chair of NI Cancer Research Consumer Forum and patient representative in NI Cancer Trials Network
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.