International Clinical Trials Day 2026, a year in review: Access to Trials
CLINICAL TRIALS IN REGIONAL, RURAL AND REMOTE AUSTRALIA
With
Amanda Koegelenberg,
CEO, Novatrials
INTERNATIONAL CLINICAL TRIALS DAY SERIES SEGMENT
Filmed in Newcastle, NSW | May 2026
To mark International Clinical Trials Day 2026, Australian Health Journal commences a 4 part special series leading up to 20th May with interviews captured across Australia. Through conversations with leading researchers, clinicians and trial organisations, the series highlights achievements in the year that was for clinical trials. The first segment is an example of how in-person clinical trial access has improved for regional, rural and remote communities.
Novatrials is helping transform access to clinical trials for people living in regional, rural and remote communities across the Hunter New England region and beyond. Based in Newcastle, New South Wales, the organisation was founded with a vision to bring innovative medical treatments closer to communities that have traditionally faced significant travel barriers to access state-of-the-art healthcare.
With the first purpose-built Phase 1 clinical trial facility outside of an Australian capital city, Novatrials is expanding opportunities for participants across Newcastle, the wider Hunter region and regional New South Wales to take part in world-class research closer to home. By conducting Phase 1 through to Phase 4 studies across a range of therapeutic areas, the organisation is helping bridge the gap between laboratory innovation and real-world patient care.
According to CEO Amanda Koegelenberg, the investment in the facility illustrates Novatrials’ commitment to ensuring people in regional and remote areas no longer need to travel vast distances to participate in clinical trials, while also bringing more research investment, innovation and healthcare opportunities into the Hunter New England region.
The segment highlights how Novatrials is working collaboratively with partners including the University of Newcastle, Hunter Medical Research Institute and Hunter New England Local Health District to strengthen the region’s research ecosystem and improve access to emerging treatments for local communities.
Source: Adapted from transcript using AI
-
Analogy of the system, rather than the ED front door
“The problem of blockages shows up in ambulance ramping and long wait times, but this is a complex issue requiring whole-of-health system solutions,” according to Professor Hugh Grantham, Chair of Emergency Medicine Foundation in an interview with Australian Health Journal.
-
Physiotherapist-led care for musculoskeletal conditions in the emergency department
RESHAP-ED included 1,475 patients across five EDs in NSW. Patients received care from a physiotherapist or conventional doctor- or nurse-led care. Patients treated by physiotherapists spent an average of 2.4 hours in the ED compared with 3.4 hours for those receiving standard care. They were seen and treated sooner, were three times more likely to receive care within recommended triage timeframes, and 90% went home within four hours. Patients were more satisfied with their care, while pain levels, quality of life and safety outcomes were similar between both groups. The model also reduced healthcare costs by $35 per patient.
-
AHW Exhibitor: HPA Managing Director Shawn Wigham
Hospital Products Australia (HPA) exhibited at last week’s Australian Healthcare Week. Anne Dao spoke with Managing Director Shawn Wigham on the advanced equipment HPA supply, that combines technology and furnishings within the clinical setting.
