Today (May 20), we join the global research community in recognising International Clinical Trials Day, which is an opportunity to celebrate the people, partnerships and innovation that make clinical trials possible, and to acknowledge the profound impact trials have on improving health outcomes and transforming care.
At Monash Partners, clinical trials are central to translating research into better health care for our communities. Across our network, researchers, clinicians, trial coordinators, nurses, consumers and health service partners work together to deliver high-quality, patient-centred trials that shape the future of medicine and healthcare delivery.
Our commitment to strengthening Australia’s clinical trials workforce is reflected through the Australian Clinical Trials Education Centre (A-CTEC), a nationally recognised initiative led collaboratively by Monash Partners, Melbourne Academic Centre for Health and Western Alliance Academic Health Science Centre. A-CTEC is helping build capability across the sector by providing accessible, evidence-based education and training opportunities for professionals involved in clinical trials across metropolitan, rural and regional settings.
Through initiatives such as A-CTEC, our Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training programs, and our broader Clinical Research Facilitation Platform, we are supporting a skilled, connected and future-ready clinical trials workforce while helping organisations meet National Clinical Trials Governance Framework requirements.
In parallel, Monash Partners health services have achieved or are progressing clinical trial accreditation activities, demonstrating a strong commitment to embedding high-quality, safe and efficient clinical trial systems and strengthening Victoria’s reputation as a leading destination for clinical research.
Monash Partners is also proud to support and contribute to clinical trials that are improving care and health outcomes across our network. Through our Clinical Research Facilitation Platform and Strategic Translation and Research (STAR) Program, we are involved in a range of innovative studies, including:
• IMPROVE-65 – supported through an MRFF Survivorship Grant, this study aims to improve primary care and health outcomes for people aged over 65 following critical illness, engaging teams across Monash Partners health services and primary care partners.
• HeartPath+ Trial – led by STAR Fellow Dr Susie Cartledge (Bayside Health (Alfred Care Group)), this hybrid effectiveness-implementation study is trialling a co-designed digital intervention to empower people living with coronary heart disease and their families to better manage heart health.
• PERSONAL Trial – supported by STAR Fellow alumni Dr Emma Foster (Bayside Health (Alfred Care Group) and Monash University), this randomised controlled trial is testing whether an artificial intelligence model can better identify the most effective anti-seizure medication for people newly diagnosed with epilepsy, with the goal of improving seizure outcomes.
• EQUAL-AF Study – with involvement from STAR Fellow Dr Louise Segan (Bayside Health (Alfred Care Group), Cabrini Health and Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute), this study is the first randomised trial to examine sex-specific outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure undergoing AF ablation, helping generate evidence to support more personalised cardiovascular care.
Importantly, clinical trials are only possible because of the willingness of consumers and community members to participate in research. We thank all trial participants and consumer partners whose contribution helps drive discovery, innovation and improved health outcomes for future generations.
As we mark this important day, I encourage all members of our network to reflect on the impact of clinical trials in your organisation and consider how we can continue to work together to strengthen Australia’s clinical research capability, improve equitable access to trials and accelerate the translation of research into practice.
We look forward to continuing to work alongside our Partners to strengthen clinical research and improve outcomes for patients and communities.
