We do research to find out if medicines, devices, treatments and diagnostic medical tools are safe and effective. We also use it to improve our health services and the systems and technologies we use.
Sometimes you might be eligible to join a research study.
Joining a research study can lead to better ways of treating people in our community, in Australia and across the world.
Our research includes:
A Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) reviews and approves any human research we do to make sure it's ethical.
Research can be something as simple as an interview or survey. It can also involve:
Your part will depend on the research study.
Taking part in research is voluntary. You can change your mind at any time. It won’t affect your treatment, and you'll continue to get the best care we can offer.
A clinical trial is a study that tests new medicines, treatments, or medical tests to see if they're safe and work well. These must go through clinical trials before they are approved for use by the public. Joining a clinical trial helps researchers find out if the new treatment is better than what's already available.
Clinical trials include:
Our clinical trials team includes experienced nurses and allied health professionals who support consumers who take part in clinical trials.
We also do tele-trials, where you can take part in a clinical trial without having to travel to the main site. For example, if a trial is based in Townsville, you can get your treatment in your hometown. This makes it easier for people in rural areas and reduces the need for long trips.
When you take part in research, you help us build on our medical knowledge about a disease or condition and how we can treat it. In some cases, it may improve your health or the health of other people with the same disease or condition.
Taking part in a clinical trial can also help you:
It doesn't cost anything to join a research study or clinical trial. Any treatment, tests and check-ups are paid for by the government agencies, universities, or pharmaceutical companies running the trial.
Before you take part in research, you need to know everything about it so you can decide if it's right for you.
For example, you'll need to know:
We'll explain any potential known risks and the benefits before you agree to take part. This is called informed consent.
You can ask your doctor or another clinician any questions about the research. Don't be afraid to ask about anything that you don't understand.
You'll need to sign an informed consent form before we enrol you in a research study.
If you’d like to take part in a research study or clinical trial, talk to your doctor or treating team.
You can also check the following websites for research projects or trials that may suit you.
For general enquiries about taking part in research and clinical trials you can email the following teams: