The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (ACSQHC) has launched a national consultation program on a framework to attract more clinical trials in Australian hospitals.
The consultations are being held across all States and Territories, with development being led by the Commission, which has been engaged by the Department of Health to deliver the framework by the middle of the year.
The Department’s Chief Medical Officer, Brendan Murphy said boosting cohesion and productivity across the clinical trials sector would benefit both patients and the health sector.
“Australia has a world-class reputation for conducting excellent research through clinical trials,” Professor Murphy said.
“The framework is the first step toward accrediting health services undertaking clinical trials.
“Our high-quality clinical trial sites have been attracting companies from across the globe for over three decades.”
He said that to build on this success, Australia must capitalize on its reputation for quality trials and reduce the variation between sites.
Professor Murphy said the framework would position Australia to be a preferred destination for clinical trials.
Chair of ACSQHC, Villis Marshall said Australian patients would benefit from better outcomes due to the reforms.
“Australians are keen to be involved in clinical trials, and research provides access to the cutting-edge treatments and interventions of the future,” Professor Marshall said.
“Researchers will gain global recognition for their work and improve their technical skills, while industry will thrive from rising international research and development expenditure and the decline in the so-called ‘brain drain’ of highly qualified researchers seeking opportunities overseas.”
Consultation on the framework closes on 22 March and information about it can be accessed at this PS News link.
