Northeast Health Wangaratta (NHW) is highlighting the growing impact of health research in regional communities this Research Week, with 27 new research and quality improvement projects approved in the past 12 months.
Research and clinical trials provide opportunities for rural and regional patients to access emerging treatments and models of care closer to home, while strengthening the skills and capability of the local health workforce.
Over the past year, the NHW Research Office has approved 12 multisite clinical trials involving national and international research, three higher-risk projects through the NHW Human Research Ethics Committee and 12 quality improvement projects.
NHW currently has 27 multisite clinical trials at various stages, nine higher-risk research projects and is contributing to six national registries and one state registry.
NHW CEO Libby Fifis said having research and clinical trials available locally could make a significant difference for regional patients and their families.
“Being able to participate in research closer to home can give patients access to new treatments, medications and technologies that may not yet be widely available,” Ms Fifis said.
“For regional patients, it can also mean less travel to metropolitan centres, reducing the time, cost and disruption that comes with travelling long distances for healthcare.
“Regional communities have different experiences and needs, and it is important these are represented in health research. Research undertaken locally helps us understand what works for our communities and translate new evidence into better care.”
Building research capability within regional health services also supports workforce development, giving clinicians opportunities to develop new skills, collaborate with leading researchers and contribute to national and international studies.
NHW works with clinicians, universities, regional and metropolitan health services, pharmaceutical companies and other research partners to advance health research.
The health service has maintained full membership and meeting quorums for the NHW Human Research Ethics Committee, an important achievement in a regional setting.
All research undertaken at NHW is closely reviewed and monitored in accordance with national standards to ensure appropriate scientific and ethical requirements are met and participants and their information are protected.
“Research is ultimately about improving care. By growing research here in Wangaratta, we can give our community greater access to new opportunities while contributing to better healthcare for regional Australians,” Ms Fifis said.