Walmart Launches Clinical Research Mission

Today, Walmart joined many other companies to improve clinical research for marginalized communities by launching its clinical research mission. The Walmart Healthcare Research Institute (WHRI) will be the vehicle for improved healthcare for marginalized communities.

The press release states that WHRI will focus on communities such as women, minority populations, older individuals, and rural representatives who often have limited access to healthcare. Considering recent criticism the clinical research industry has received for excluding minority and disabled communities, this mission may help guide more equitable research.

The company stated that, in 2020, clinical trial participants were predominantly White, making up 75% of patients. Conversely, Hispanic patients were only 11%, 8% were Black, and 6% were Asian.

“At Walmart, we want to help ensure all our customers have access to high quality, affordable, and convenient healthcare resources, including innovative research,” said Dr. John Wigneswaran, Walmart’s Chief Medical Officer, in the press release. “We know our customers are interested in participating in healthcare research, but many have not had access until now. We are already making an impact for our customers and for medical research, by raising patient trust and engagement in their care.”

In addition to launching the mission, the company is also launching a digital health tool called MyHealthJourney. This tool will facilitate improved patient–provider communication. Patients will be able to receive reminders on appointments as well as new research and clinical trials.

The company’s release states, “Walmart’s Healthcare Research Institute is an extension of Walmart’s long-standing commitment to helping expand access to patients and underrepresented populations. The retailer has demonstrated this through low-cost medicines such as a $4 generic medication program and private label Relion insulin, high-quality healthcare at Walmart Health Centers and Vision Centers, partnerships and programs to address social determinants of health, and now the opportunity to enroll in healthcare research.”

While these claims show promise and may help improve healthcare for marginalized communities, it is too early to determine their impacts. As the mission progresses, it will be up to Walmart to collect and share data on how the institute has improved healthcare. Providers may consider monitoring the institute for clinical trials appropriate for their patients.