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Community engagement
Community advisory boards (CAB), although common in the USA, are a relatively new concept in Thailand. Some researchers have advised the establishment of community groups in HIV clinical trials in Thailand; it proved a considerable challenge, because of differences in culture and beliefs. With time, the VTC adapted a CAB model appropriate to the Thai culture. It established two main community groups, i.e., Volunteer Relations Clubs and Community Relations Clubs. This approach fit well into the Thai cultural context. In addition, it met the spirit of the US CAB model of engaging communities and volunteers in meaningful dialog around HIV-vaccine-trial issues. Volunteer and Community Relations Clubs have been established with the objective of strengthening the link between research staff and research participants. The aim of the clubs are to improve studies by giving volunteers greater participation in future research activities such as the preparation/review of consent forms. The clubs also enable the VTC to have a pool of volunteers from different trials. Regular meetings with representatives allow open discussion about the conduct of the trial and questions/answers. These meetings have given participants the opportunity to express their opinions freely. New information that engages about regarding HIV-1 vaccines has been provided to club members; for example, the results of similar studies in the USA or elsewhere have been discussed with members, for further distribution to friends and families.
However, Community advisory boards (CAB) has been formed in 2005. The CAB is composed of 7 members which includes monk, people living with HIV, representatives from the private sector, and people interested in the research. The CAB serve as an advisory body to the Vaccine Trial Center, providing community perspectives on all aspects of conducting a clinical trial. Since November 2005, 5 meetings were held so far to provide an opportunity for CAB members to:
- understand the clinical research process and general basic science.
- voice concerns regarding specific clinical studies, especially the informed consent form of various protocols.
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