Australian Clinical Trials
The Australian Clinical Trials Consumer Guide to Clinical Trials [opens external site] states that clinical trials are medical research studies that aim to find a better way to manage a particular disease. The purpose of a clinical trial is to evaluate new approaches to learn how people respond to them and what side effects might occur as a result. Clinical trials are considered to be part of best practice medicine and are one of many options for the treatment of a disease or illness.
The Commonwealth Department of Health Australian Clinical Trials website [opens external site] includes information for researchers about clinical trials including how to get started, how to find resources, Good Clinical Practice, Human Research Ethics applications and much more.
Below are some frequently asked questions about how the ITCC can support your clinical trial idea.
FAQs
What is palliative care?
Palliative care is person- and family-centred care provided to people with life-limiting illnesses. The aim of palliative care is to improve the quality of life for patients, families and caregivers by addressing individual needs that may be physical, emotional, social, cultural or spiritual.
Read more about palliative care and who it is for on the Palliative Care Australia website.
How do I find out about PaCCSC clinical trials?
Go to the PaCCSC clinical trials page for information about current PaCCSC clinical trial locations and criteria for participating in each trial. You can request more information by email to paccsc@uts.edu.au.
How do I find out about CST clinical trials?
Go to the CST clinical trials page for information about current CST clinical trial locations and criteria for participating in each trial. You can also request more information about a specific trial by email to CST@uts.edu.au.
How do I get involved in a CST or PaCCSC clinical trial?
It is important that you meet the eligibility criteria for any clinical trial. Talk to your doctor about your suitability for a clinical trial. You or your doctor can contact us by email to itcc@uts.edu.au.
Is it safe to participate?
Trials may include potential risks to participants, which we would discuss with you before you decide to participate. Each clinical trial is approved by a Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) whose role it is to protect research participants. Participant safety is our highest priority and we always put participants and their families' wellbeing first.
What are the benefits of participating?
We can't guarantee any personal benefits to individual trial participants. Your participation will contribute to building knowledge about how and if medications or other treatments are effective in improving the impact or management of symptoms in people with cancer or other life-limiting illnesses.
How much time will it take?
This will vary between clinical trials and depends on the type of trial. Some trials will involve hospital visits, and some may take place in your home. A trial might include trying a new medication or it could be answering a series of questionnaires.
Will participating affect my current care?
No. You will continue to receive care from your current doctor or other treating health professionals. We will keep your doctor informed of the clinical trial progress and outcomes.
Will my personal details be kept private?
Yes. Clinical trial participants' personal details are confidential. Publications using clinical trial research findings do not refer to names or identifying details of individual participants.
If I decide to participate, can I change my mind?
Yes. You can opt out at any time and you don't have to give a reason. However, if you give a reason this may help us with designing future clinical trials as participant experience is important to us.
I have more questions. How can I find out more?
You can talk to your doctor, read the information on our website, or contact us by email to itcc@uts.edu.au.
You can also read more about clinical trials in Australia on the Commonwealth Department of Health Australian Clinical Trials website. It includes lots of information for the general public about clinical trials, how they work and how to take part.