Data Science Hackathon Brings Insights to Improve Diversity and Representation in Clinical Trials
The Gilead Data Science Forum hosted its first company-wide Data Science Hackathon last month. The Hackathon was created to help Gilead surface key insights, drivers and data-driven strategies with the potential to help improve diversity and demographic representation in the company’s clinical trials.
The month-long virtual program provided a cross-functional networking opportunity for members of the analytics and data science community at Gilead and Kite to build innovative analytics visualizations, models, techniques and analysis with colleagues across departments. A total of 17 teams from more than a dozen different departments at Gilead and Kite competed in the Hackathon, four of which were recognized for going above and beyond in providing innovative data science solutions. The following four teams were given awards at a live, hybrid lunch presentation and celebration that took place in early Nov. on campus in Foster City.
Challanges reaching out minority groups
Understanding the challenges, behavioral patterns, and preferences towards participation in clinical trials may help identify barriers that limit patient’s participation. This Hackathon competition may help in developing strategic approach and educational materials that may aid minority patients in overcoming barriers to participating in clinical trials.
Main Challenge
- Usually recruiting sites are 2 hours away from minority concentrated areas
- Clinical sites are mainly at wealthy areas
- Universities, hospitals and community clinics
- Review PI make-up to ensure a divert representation among the PIs
- Promote target marketing to reach out diversity groups
Winners
The winners of the completed Hackathon innovative competition the four teams were given awards at a live, hybrid lunch presentation and celebration that took place in early Nov. on campus in Foster City.
