Contact:
SCRS Communications
Society for Clinical Research Sites
410.696.5080
communications@myscrs.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SCRS Announces Release of the Diversity Site Assessment Tool (DSAT)
Hanover, MD, April 26, 2021 – The Society for Clinical Research Sites (SCRS) is proud to announce the release of the SCRS Diversity Site Assessment Tool© (DSAT). The DSAT is an intuitive self-assessment tool developed by SCRS to quantify the competence of a clinical research site to execute clinical trials with a diverse subject population. This landmark tool is the product of years of analysis and development and is the first of its kind in the clinical research industry. Its efficacy in identifying areas of opportunity for sites to implement best practices in promoting diversity in trials is supported by four peer-reviewed research papers.
When the DSAT is engaged, it prompts the user to respond to queries designed to analyze internal and environmental factors that influence the site’s ability to facilitate diverse clinical trials. The site’s responses are captured and assessed by the DSAT, which then provides the site with a numerical score indicative of its current inclusivity. The numerical score ranges from 0 to 150, with 150 being the gold standard for best practices. Sites that receive a lower DSAT score are able to identify areas of opportunity and can use the resources included in the SCRS Diversity Program repository for targeted improvement. Sites who receive a higher DSAT score can use this as a marketable metric to share with sponsors.
“The SCRS DSAT is the only validated and reliable instrument capable of assessing a site’s ability to recruit diverse patient populations in the industry today,” said Diana Foster, PhD, SCRS Vice President of Strategy and Development. Dr. Foster was instrumental in conceptualizing and developing the DSAT and drew on her rich industry experience and judicious observation of recruitment trends to perfect the tool. “Diversity in clinical trials is integral to the development of safe and effective drugs and devices. For that reason, SCRS is making the DSAT available to and free for everyone, irrespective of their membership with the organization. We are thrilled to spearhead the advancement of an inclusive future in the clinical research industry.”
Funding partners include Bristol Myers Squibb, GSK, Janssen, Lilly, Medidata Solutions, Merck, Parexel, Pfizer, PhRMA, Roche/Genentech, Syneos Health, VirTrial and Total Clinical Trial Management.
Access the DSAT and find out more about the SCRS Diversity Awareness Program and industry sponsors at: myscrs.org/learning-campus/diversity-in-clinical-trials/.
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About SCRS
Founded in 2012, SCRS is a global organization that unifies the voice of the clinical research site community to create greater site sustainability. Representing over 9,500 sites in 47 countries, SCRS membership provides sites with a community dedicated to advocacy, education, mentorship and connectivity. SCRS is an influential voice for sites and an active partner in industry-wide initiatives and dialogues focused on improving the clinical research enterprise. Our Voice. Our Community. Your Success. Join the community. Visit MySCRS.org.
