Regional Victorian trials alliance: Linkages, Innovation, Special populations, Equity (ReViTALISE) project: Addressing disparity in regional populations

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the ReViTALISE project is to provide equal access to high-quality cancer care, bridging the metropolitan-regional trials gap by 2025 and improving cancer outcomes for regional Victorians. Funded by the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Rural, Regional and Remote Clinical Trial Infrastructure Fund and awarded to Border Medical Oncology Research Unit (Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre) as the lead site, working with the Regional Trials Network - Victoria (RTN-Vic), the ReViTALISE project will run over 5 years. Method(s): The RTN-Vic created a project that involves seven interconnected Initiatives in areas of unmet need for regional populations, partnering with Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, University of Melbourne, La Trobe University Wodonga, and the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute. This project will address equity of access for regional patients and will implement COSA Teletrial methodology as a means to deliver these Initiatives. ReViTALISE key activities: Identify new and expand existing RTN-Vic sites Expand trial portfolios: registry, Immunotherapy and rare cancer, palliative and supportive care, geriatric oncology Upskilling the regional multidisciplinary workforce: establishment of a Regional Research Teaching Hub The key outcomes: Increase trial participation in Regional Rural and Remote areas by 2025 creating equitable access and outcomes Improving models of care for Indigenous, palliative and supportive care patients Establishing new research programs in older patients Improving research literacy in the regional workforce with the establishment of a Regional Research Teaching Hub Improving access to registry and immunotherapy trials Improve access to teletrials Building and consolidating networks of research active clinicians across regional centres Results: Early outputs from each of the project areaswill be presented. Conclusion(s): This is an innovative project in important areas of unmet need in regional populations, developed by the regions and led by the regions.