Bringing clinical trials closer to home for rural, regional and remote communities

A program expanding access to clinical trials in rural, regional and remote NSW and the ACT is bringing advanced healthcare to people who need it most.

People living outside metropolitan areas areas often face barriers to participation in clinical trials, including limited local infrastructure, long travel distances and high costs. The Rural, Regional and Remote Clinical Trial Enabling Program is addressing these challenges by supporting clinical trials across all healthcare settings.

The Office for Health Medical Research is partnering with ACT Health to deliver the program supported by funding from the Australian Government under the Medical Research Future Fund. Locally led by three geographical Clusters (Northern, Western and Southern), the program is building an inclusive clinical trial ecosystem that reflects the needs of diverse communities, as well as the aim of the NSW Health Research and Innovation Strategy to provide access to research and innovation for all.

Supporting clinicians to deliver advanced healthcare

The Program is developing capacity and capability for local clinicians across NSW to plan and run trials to international best practice standards, so they can embed research into everyday care. This community-based approach involves local hospitals, community health services, general practitioners and Aboriginal Medical Services.

“Rural people often miss out on clinical trials due to distance or face the burden of long travel times to participate,” says Shellie Burgess, ACI Rural Health Network Manager.

While NSW is the only state to offer Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme funding to those who participate in clinical trials, people want and need access to clinical trials closer to home.

Increasing clinical trial options for rural, regional and remote communities can lead to better treatment options for patients with medically complex conditions. Clinical trials pave the way for access to new treatments, technology and advanced medical knowledge.

“Clinical trials provide robust evidence that can support the case for making changes to clinical practice. This leads to innovations that improve healthcare outcomes for everyone, not just those participating in trials,” says Danielle Somers, Director, Research Methods and Clinical Trials, Office of Health and Medical Research.

Health, economic and system benefits

Beyond the medical and clinical benefits, the Program aims to boost jobs, attract clinical trial specialists across advanced medical fields and stimulate economic growth in rural, regional and remote areas. It also aims to enhance national and international collaboration between sectors and provide an evidence base for healthcare innovation.

“We’re fostering the next generation of research experts in regional and rural NSW, attracting industry partners to improve collaboration and embed clinical trials as business as usual,” says Danielle Somers.

Learn more about the Rural, Regional and Remote Clinical Trial Enabling Program and how clinicians and health service managers can collaborate.

Read more in the latest issue of Clinician Connect from the NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation.