CLINICAL RESEARCH INTEGRATES WITH GP AND PHARMACIST WORKFLOWS TO SUPPLEMENT PRACTICE REVENUE Primary health introductions to clinical trials leverages community trust in HCPs
With Charlotte Bradshaw,
CEO and Founder Evrima Technologies
SEGMENT
Filmed in Sydney | January 2025
Clinical trials are crucial to the development of evidence-based preventative medicines. In addition, participation in clinical trials can also provide patients with opportunities to access new treatments.
“Clinical trials are at the heart of medical advances which look into new ways to treat, prevent, or detect disease. Volunteers often do so to help contribute to advancing scientific research, knowing that they are participating in the hope of helping future generations,” said Charlotte Bradshaw, CEO and Founder to Evrima Technologies.
Ms Bradshaw spoke to Australian Health Journal about Evrima’s mission. As an Australian-based digital health company bringing trials to patients, GPs and pharmacists, world-class researchers are able to connect to the wider community through primary health care.
There are hundreds of clinical trials happening around the country and they can take place in hospitals, universities, private clinics and dedicated medical research institutes, yet the trusted role of a GP and pharmacists has opportunity to connect the stakeholder groups.
Research reveals that in Australia, 79% of people would consider being involved in a clinical trial, and 69% would be open to hearing about clinical trials from their GP or Health Care Practitioner. However, barriers such as time constraints, workforce shortages and lack of knowledge about the trials have been identified as barriers to GP referrals.
Each year, clinical trials are conducted to investigate treatment strategies (75%), disease prevention (15%), drugs and medicines (45%), and devices, lifestyles, and behaviours.
In Australia, trials that attract higher participation often centre around cancer and cardiovascular disease. Health conditions such as mental health, neurological and musculoskeletal trials, as well as those dealing with everyday issues including asthma and hypertension, often experience lower rates of participation.
With around 80% of clinical trials being delayed due to recruitment issues, Ms Bradshaw says that new referral platforms such as Evrima’s Evripath can simplify the process for practitioners and patients.
“We understand the daily challenges faced by GPs, but also appreciate that GPs are the gatekeepers to patient participation in clinical trials that are working towards better community outcomes,” said Ms Bradshaw.
Note: Research noted above is cited in the segment
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Role of the Chief Nursing Officer
Professor Alison McMillan PSM spoke with Australian Health Journal about the role of Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer at the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care.
Alison was appointed as our Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer in November 2019.
In June 2021 Alison was awarded a Public Service Medal for outstanding public service to driving the Government’s national health response priorities during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly to infection prevention measures.
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Interview with Kylie Ward, CEO Australian College of Nursing
Kylie Ward, CEO Australian College of Nursing spoke with Anne Dao from Australian Health Journal, at last week’s Australian Healthcare Week Expo on the vital role of the nursing professional.
Australian College of Nursing oversees 390,000 nurses in Australia and is the national leader in the nursing profession.
Changes in nursing policy are needed in areas of aged care, chronic disease and workforce sustainability. There are forecasts of shortages in nursing by the year 2025 of 80,000 and by 2030 the number growing by 125,000.
Kylie also mentioned the new Nursing Trailbrazers Award that has been recognised by Federal Health Minister, Greg Hunt. The 4 finalists have been recognised for influencing models of care, and implementing game changing initiatives across the country. They will be presented at the Nursing Now Australia event held by the ACN on 9th April.
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Health equity
For 30 years the Humpty Dumpty Foundation has worked to help bridge the gap that often exists between available resources and actual needs through the donation of paediatric medical equipment. Humpty, like many other charitable initiatives, began with a humble goal. Its Founder and Executive Chairman, Paul Francis OAM, together with Patron Ray Martin AM, set out to raise some money to paint the walls of the Children’s Ward at Royal North Shore Hospital.
To date more than 440 hospitals and health services have shared in over $85 million of essential and lifesaving medical equipment for sick and injured paediatric patients.
