Clinical trials workshop highlights demand for formal training

Sold out for the second year in a row, the one-day ‘Trials without Tribulations’ workshop included speakers from across the partnership and the launch of two new clinical trial resources.

Close to 90% of post-event survey respondents found the workshop opened new opportunities for solving common problems, and 92% stated they would recommend the event to others.

“I think the workshop’s appeal shows we have tapped into an area that is underserviced when it comes to training opportunities,” said Angela Todd, Research Director, Sydney Health Partners.

“The high level of engagement from the participants both in the lead-up and on the day shows there is a real willingness to share ideas and learn from others.”

Over 140 attendees completed an anonymous pre-event survey to provide a snapshot of the clinical trials workforce, revealing over 70% are aged 25-44, 90% identify as female, 33% hold a Bachelor’s degree, and 60% have completed post-graduate studies.

While survey participants are driven by the desire to make a difference and contribute to new research, they also expressed concern about the lack of professional training and career progression within the sector.

It was a sentiment echoed by several panellists on the event’s first-panel session titled “How do I progress?” led by Dr Helen Goldsmith of the Sydney Children's Hospitals Network and featuring panellists from across the clinical trials landscape including Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, Office for Health and Medical Research, Northern Sydney Local Health District and The University of Sydney. 

“Career progression and training in clinical trials are essential given we are working in a complicated and highly regulated field – it takes time for individuals to fully understand the work we do,” said panellist Martijn Oostendorp, Associate Director, Trial Operations, NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre.

Panellists encouraged attendees to look beyond ‘linear’ career progression by participating in mentoring programs (formal or self-initiated), secondments or networking with peers.  Liz Hall, Principal Business Partner, People and Culture, Sydney Children's Hospitals Network suggested attendees take the opportunity to ponder how their working career would evolve over the next 20 years and develop a 3-5 year plan to “map out where you want to be and start talking to people on how to get there, follow subject matter experts including potential mentors you find through events like this or reaching out via LinkedIn.”

Navigating the clinical trials process

Dr Bernadette Aliprandi-Costa, Technical Director, Clinical Trials Policy Section, Australian Department of Health and Aged Care provided an update on the proposed National One Stop Shop.  The platform’s discovery and design stages are due to be completed this year. This will be followed by the development of a business case and the establishment of a governance structure working towards the platform’s delivery. Importantly, the project has cross-jurisdictional support.  

New clinical trial resources

In her presentation, Dr Lucia Smith, Research Governance Manager at the Sydney Children's Hospitals Network launched Sydney Health Partners’ new Guide to Ethics and Governance Processes in NSW.  The guide provides a detailed overview of the necessary steps for obtaining both ethics and governance approval for trials in NSW’s public health organisations.

A new ‘Friendly Project Review Tool’ was also launched, adding to the SHP suite of resources to help clinical staff review and monitor their projects and prepare for external site audits. The tool includes a questionnaire and report for a preliminary, high-level review to identify any areas for improvement.

Planning for equity, inclusivity and diversity

Sharon Lee, Clinical Research Manager from Western Sydney Local Health District presented the results of recent training initiatives for interpreters to better service the needs of non-English speakers and encourage clinical trial participation among their communities. Ms Lee was followed by Izabella Pokorski, Program Manager from NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre who highlighted the importance of using inclusive language in resources.

Attendees also heard from clinical trial staff involved in recent SHP working groups focused on developing budget checklists, and an idea for a future working group developing and implementing patient-reported experience surveys.

The day wrapped up with breakout discussions on managing sponsor expectations and building effective communication plans. These sessions sparked meaningful exchanges and practical solutions, helping participants strengthen their approach to clinical trials.

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