Oral Presentation Clinical Oncology Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting 2019

The Australasian Tele-Trial Model – access to clinical trials closer to home using tele-health (#55)

Sabe Sabesan 1 , Andrew Bowskill 2 , Gardiner Vicki 2 , Chantal Gebbie 3 , Larissa Karpish 2 , Peter Komocki 2 , Marie Malica 3 , Clare Scott 4 , Richard Vines 5 , John Zalcberg 6
  1. Townsville Hospital, Douglas, QLD, Australia
  2. Medicines Australia, Deakin, ACT, Australia
  3. Clinical Oncology Society of Australia, Sydney , NSW, Australia
  4. Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
  5. Rare Cancers Australia, Bowral, NSW, Australia
  6. Monash University , Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Background/objectives: The Australasian Tele-trial Model (ATM) developed by the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) uses existing literature on tele-oncology to articulate a comprehensive framework for the use of tele-health to enable clinicians from larger centres (primary sites) to enroll, consent and treat patients on clinical trials at regional and rural centres (satellite sites) (1). The benefits are not limited to regional areas, with the same Model having the potential to connect larger centres (even within the same city) and improve the rate of recruitment to highly specialised trials such as those for rare cancers. 

Methods: COSA is leading a project to pilot the model in NSW, Victoria and Queensland at regional, rural and metropolitan sites. 5 primary sites have received funding through the project to implement the model and the project has supported statewide implementation of the ATM in Queensland. 

Results: Currently 3 tele-trials are open in NSW, 1 in Victoria and 3 in Queensland and more than 50 patients have been recruited to tele-trials. Trials are sponsored by industry, cooperative trials groups and investigators. No ethical or safety issues have been raised. Eight new staff have received GCP training and staff have welcomed the inter-site collaboration. 

Tele-Trial SOPs, supervision plans and subcontracts have been developed and submitted for National Mutual Acceptance. In Queensland a Health Service Directive will incorporate the ATM into Queensland Health policy.

Conclusion(s): The ATM has been successfully piloted within NSW, Victoria and Queensland enabling improved access to clinical trials for regional and rural patients. Increased accessibility to clinical trials and greater participant recruitment also improves collaboration and networking between regional, rural and metropolitan centres, enhances workforce development and improves adherence with guideline recommended care through greater engagement in research activity. This may lead to reduced disparity in cancer outcomes for geographically dispersed populations.

 

  1. COSA. Australasian Tele-Trial Model: Access to clinical trials closer to home using tele-health. 2016