Medical experts are teaming up with the Ministry of Health to get more people into clinical trials.

The study aims to engage more Maori and Pacific Islanders, and people living in rural areas.

Auckland University Liggins Institute director Frank Bloomfield told Kate Hawkesby a national system would improve access and care for underrepresented groups.

He says having an embedded system, rather than each trial being set up as a new enterprise, will improve care.

Bloomfield says as well as contributing to the greater good, study participants may have access to better healthcare and treatment than usual.

"There's evidence that, just taking part in a trial, even if it's not successful, improves healthcare outcomes."

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