Individual Abstract within a Delegate Designed Symposium Clinical Oncology Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting 2024

Improving equity of access to palliative and supportive care trials by establishing a regional network (#139)

Jennifer Phillips 1 2 , Miriam Ferres 3 4 , Ian Collins 4 5 , David Campbell 3 4 , Brian Le 6 , Ahmed Nagla 7 , Peter Eastman 3 4
  1. St Vincents Hospital, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
  2. University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic, Australia
  3. Barwon Health, Geelong, Vic
  4. Deakin University, Geelong, Vic, Australia
  5. Southwest Healthcare , Warrnambool, Vic, Australia
  6. Melbourne Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia
  7. Latrobe Regional Hopsital, Traralgon, Vic, Australia

Aims: Participation in clinical trials has been associated with improved patient outcomes. Yet in regional Victoria, there are few clinical trial active palliative care services or opportunities for trial participation. Palliative and Supportive Care Program of Revitalise aims to increase trial availability, participation and capability for regional palliative care services.

Methods: A series of strategies were adopted to increase trial and research activity including:

  • Mapping current research capabilities of palliative care services.
  • Establishing and mentoring clinical trial fellow roles who, in turn, will mentor and support regional palliative care services.
  • Establishing a network of research active clinicians across Victoria to increase knowledge, provide support, increase knowledge, and enhance relationships
  • Establishing and implementing a portfolio of trials of varying complexity from phase 4 post-marketing to more complex phase 2/3 trials.
  • Developing clinical trials tailored to be delivered in regional palliative care services.

Results:  From an initial census of services, clinical trial activity was limited to one regional palliative care service. The census highlighted high levels of interest and enthusiasm to develop research capability. Accordingly the Victorian Clinical Trials Palliative Care Collaborative Group was established and meets 2nd monthly with educational opportunities, and encourages new relationships with the broader research and cooperative trials community.

Phase 4 trials are a useful way to introduce clinical trials, with one site achieving the most successful recruitment status nationally. The broader impact of this research activity has included the enhanced standing of palliative care in the health service. Current palliative care specific clinical trial development is underway.

Conclusion: Despite significant clinical demands, regional palliative care services are interested in being involved in research and clinical trials. Support for infrastructure can enhance trial participation for patients, increase research capability for clinicians but also increase the standing of palliative care in the academy.