There has never been a more pressing time for health system transformation through robust health services research (HSR). But how do HSR studies differ from clinical trials and why is it important to understand the difference? This panel discussion will consider definitions of HSR and clinical trials and explore some key points of divergence.

Presenters

Professor Irene Blackberry is the John Richards Chair in Rural Ageing Research and Director of the Care Economy Research Institute at La Trobe University. She is a health services and implementation science researcher of complex multifactorial care. She has over 20 years of research experience across the care economy in Australia and abroad, predominantly in healthcare, aged care, long term care and informal care sectors. Her research examines access to care and models of care that are innovative, effective and sustainable, building skills in individuals and greater capacity of the whole-of-community to support people from diverse background and rural communities.

Irene is on the Executive Board of Active Ageing in Asia Pacific Consortium, the Past President of Australian Association of Gerontology Victoria, member of the NHMRC Council and Principal Committees 2021-2024 Triennium, and is on the editorial board of several international journals and expert advisors to government and not-for-profit organisations. She has attracted over $70M in competitive research funding and published 160 reports and journal articles. She supervises 9and completed 19 higher degree research supervision. She holds a bachelor degree and PhD in Medicine and a postgraduate certificate in Program and Economic Evaluation.

A/Professor Anne Woollett – Clinical Trials Director, Trial Hub Anne is Director of Trial Hub, located at the Alfred. In this role she is responsible for the TrialHub program supporting access to clinical trials for rural, remote, indigenous and disadvantaged populations, by supporting regional and remote health services build capability. Anne has over 30 years’ experience working in a broad range of fields in oncology clinical trials including clinical trials development, processes and governance at local, state and national levels. She has worked in and with many different governance structures including networks, multi-service collative ventures and academic health centres as well as commercial and investigator led research. Anne holds an Associate Professor position at Monash University. Her qualifications include Registered nurse and a Bachelor of Education.

Thobe Mthethwa-Pitt – Senior Education Manager,  Trial Hub “My expertise is in clinical trials operations, education/ workforce development. Overall, I have over 16 years clinical trials experience and for the past 7 years my focus has been on developing clinical trials education models for effective workforce upskilling. My current role within TrialHub extends to working with the diverse health services within our partnership, spanning metro sites to outer metro and regional health services. My role involves designing and implementing tailored programs for clinical trials workforce development, ensuring alignment with each health services’ level of maturity and capability. I also contribute to education resource development on national and international platforms”

Facilitated by Professor Mei Krishnasamy, an internationally recognised cancer nurse and respected cancer nurse researcher in patient experiences and outcomes research.