Clinical trials are a type of research that studies new tests and treatments and evaluates their effects on human health outcomes. People volunteer to take part in clinical trials to test medical interventions including drugs, cells and other biological products, surgical procedures, radiological procedures, devices, behavioural treatments and preventive care. Clinical trials are carefully designed, reviewed and completed, and need to be approved before they can start. People of all ages can take part in clinical trials, including children. See WHO - Clinical Trials.
There are 4 phases of biomedical clinical trials:
- Phase I studies usually test new drugs for the first time in a small group of people to evaluate a safe dosage range and identify side effects
- Phase II studies test treatments that have been found to be safe in phase I but now need a larger group of human subjects to monitor for any adverse effects
- Phase III studies are conducted on larger populations and in different regions and countries, and are often the step right before a new treatment is approved
- Phase IV studies take place after country approval and there is a need for further testing in a wide population over a longer timeframe
New medical advancements are constantly being made here in Australia and across the world. Clinical trials are an integral part of health research and an important pathway for patient care. They enable us to find new treatments, tests and procedures to provide innovative care and improve the health and wellbeing of our patients. Conducting clinical trials at CHS offers patients the possibility of immediate access to the latest medical innovations.
CHS Clinical Trials Support Unit (CTSU)
The CTSU is a centralised support unit within the CHS Research Operations and Clinical Trials Unit (ROCTU). The CTSU offers comprehensive support services for units through initiating, conducting, and expanding their clinical trials portfolio. Our services include finance, administration, business analytics, process improvement and regulatory compliance support.
In addition to our ongoing support for medical oncology, haematology, and cardiology, 2023 saw the CTRSU facilitate the initiation of trials in several new units, including vascular surgery, general surgery, infectious diseases, anaesthesia and pain management, palliative care, emergency department (ED), and psychiatry. This signifies a fresh wave of possibilities in research ready to redefine patient care at CHS.
Rural, Regional and Remote Clinical Trials Enabling Program (R3-CTEP)
R3-CTEP is a decentralised clinical trial initiative enabling patients in remote areas of the ACT and NSW to participate in trials by reducing the need for travel to major centres. Distance is a significant healthcare barrier for 30% of Australians living in rural, regional and remote areas. This is an initiative supported by funding from the Australian Government under the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) which aims to improve access to innovative healthcare.
A network of three clusters has been established under R3-CTEP. Details about the geographical areas covered by each cluster are:
- Northern cluster: Hunter New England LHD, Northern NSW LHD and Mid North Coast LHD
- Western Cluster: Western NSW and Far West LHD and
- Southern Cluster: Illawarra Shoalhaven LHD, Murrumbidgee LHD, Southern NSW LHD and ACT
The Southern Cluster of R3-CTEP lead by Professor Walter Abhayaratna, CHS Director of CHS Research Operations and Clinical Trials Unit (ROCTU).
Find a clinical trial – national database
Australian Clinical Trials is an Australian government initiative to provide information and resources to participants, healthcare providers, researchers and industry about taking part in, accessing and running clinical trials.
On this page, you can search for clinical trials listed in the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR).