Building Trust Through Understanding: Health Literacy in Clinical Research
Trusted, inclusive clinical research begins with health literacy—ensuring that communities can understand what research is, how it works, and why it matters.
Date: April 15, 2026
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 PM ET
This live webinar will explore practical strategies for improving public understanding of clinical research and integrating health‑literacy principles into community outreach and engagement efforts. Through real‑world examples, we’ll examine how clear communication, culturally responsive engagement, and inclusive research principles translate into day‑to‑day study operations. Attendees will learn how to design outreach that supports participant understanding, addresses common misconceptions, and builds long‑term trust with the communities they serve.
Clinical research professionals will learn practical approaches to foster greater understanding, support informed decision‑making, and advance inclusive research participation.
Speakers:
Gianna Gemignani, BS, ACRP-CP
Clinical Research Project Coordinator
University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health (Department of OB/GYN)
I’m a clinical research professional specializing in reproductive health, where ethical research conduct requires clear, compassionate communication and a strong understanding of patient health literacy. My experience spans Phase III sponsored clinical trials, large-scale biorepository projects, and peer-support initiatives, giving me a well-rounded perspective on how health literacy impacts participant comprehension, engagement, and retention. Because reproductive health studies often involve complex and deeply personal decisions, I focus on making the informed consent process participant-centered, respectful, and accessible. I incorporate health literacy best practices such as plain language, teach-back techniques, and visual aids into my daily work to ensure participants not only sign consent but truly understand it. I am passionate about equipping coordinators and research teams with practical, ethical strategies to bridge the gap between regulatory compliance and real-world comprehension.
Catina O’Leary
President & CEO
Health Literacy Media (HLM)
Over the past decade as President and CEO, Catina has led HLM’s evolution from a small, home-grown nonprofit into a globally recognized force in health literacy—advancing clear, accurate health and science communication around the world. She believes HLM exists to challenge the false choice between “easy to understand” and “accurate,” demonstrating that health information can be both precise and accessible. Through a health-literacy lens, Catina works to ensure people have information they can truly use—delivered in ways that are equitable, meaningful, and actionable. A licensed master social worker, Catina knows that actionable knowledge is central to changing health behaviors and improving quality of life. This belief, shaped by more than a decade of community-based research and practice prior to HLM, continues to fuel her work today. Early in her career, she led research at Washington University School of Medicine focused on connecting people at risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections with medical and social resources to improve health outcomes and prevent illness. Catina has led multi-site research trials in the U.S. and internationally and has been deeply engaged in every phase of the research process—from grant writing and IRB protocol development to staff training, data analysis, reporting, and dissemination. A strong advocate for transparency, equity, and participant protection, she also served on the Human Research Protection Office’s continuing review committee during her tenure at Washington University School of Medicine. Today, Catina’s impact extends well beyond HLM. She serves on numerous boards and committees. She is a Founding Member and Treasurer of the United States Health Literacy Association, Secretariat of the International Health Literacy Association, and a Member of the Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital Board.
Maureen Kashuba (Moderator)
Senior Director, Health Literacy
Merck
Maureen Kashuba is Senior Director of Health Literacy Medical Writing within Clinical & Regulatory Strategic Communications at Merck Sharp and Dohme, LLC. She brings 20 years of experience in clinical research and drug development and leads enterprise‑wide efforts to advance plain‑language, participant‑centered communication.
In her role, Maureen oversees Plain Language Summaries and health‑literate glossaries and provides strategic leadership in support of informed consent initiatives. She is a recognized advocate for health literacy and transparency, helping ensure that clinical research information is clear, accessible, and meaningful for research participants and the public.
Approved for 1.0 ACRP Contact Hours
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