Palliative care clinical trials research in regional settings: green fields of opportunity

Abstract

Cancer outcomes differ between metropolitan and non-metropolitan settings, with regional Victorians experiencing higher rates of cancer diagnosis, poorer survival and lower rates of involvement in clinical trials. Clinical trials are important for the development of quality, evidence-based interventions in care, including palliative care (PC). Barriers to accessing PC clinical trials include lack of trial availability in regional areas. Previous studies suggest that patients are interested in participating in PC research and may derive benefits from doing so. The Regional Victoria Trials Alliance: Linkages, Innovation, Special populations, Equity (ReViTALISE) project is a Medical Research Future Fund 5-year project that aims to bridge the metropolitan-regional clinical trials gap for patients in Victoria, including a stream focussed on PC trials...