Maximising Research Potential: The Impact of a Facilitating Clinical Trial Network
Chris Reid1,8, Christopher Reid1,2,8, Derek Chew2,8, Karen Carey4,8, Markus Schlaich5,8, Emily Atkins6,8, Angela Brennan2,8, Sophia Zoungas2,8, Jithendra Somaratne7,8, Clare Arnott6,8, Karice Huyn3,8 1Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia2Monash University , Melbourne, VIC, Australia3The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia4Consumer representative, Perth, WA, Australia5The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia6George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia7Auckland District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand8ANZACT, Perth, WA, Australia
Abstract
Background: The Australian and New Zealand Alliance for Cardiovascular Trials (ANZACT) is a facilitating clinical trial network, launched in 2018.
Aim: To facilitate and engage a network of researchers to deliver relevant, efficient and high-quality cardiovascular clinical trials.
Method: Establish an inclusive, fee-free membership led by a team that is diverse in gender and location and are highly respected cardiovascular researchers. Include the unique perspectives of a consumer representative with a lived experience of cardiovascular disease and an early career researcher on the Executive Team. Conduct strategic planning to ensure clarity and consensus on goals and objectives that are meaningful to members and are deliverable. Recognise the importance of having a recognisable brand and profile in the busy space of cardiovascular research, and the ability to clearly articulate our purpose and activities. Provide members with relevant and current information in an easy-to-read format.
Results: ANZACT has over 280 members; we received over 40 applications for committee roles; we integrate the consumer perspective into every aspect of our operations; our peer and consumer review service is a well-respected model that has increased the success rate to ~20% for our members who apply for competitive funding; and we are a full member of ACTA, the Australian Clinical Trial Alliance.
Conclusion: As a facilitating clinical trial network, we do not conduct research. Instead, we support our members to develop research ideas into successful funding applications and high-quality research that will inform the delivery of evidence-based health care.
Biography
Christopher Reid is a cardiovascular epidemiologist and clinical trialist with appointments as Research Professor in both the School of Public Health at Curtin University and the School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University. He was re-appointed as a John Curtin Distinguished Professor in 2021 and is currently Director of the Monash and Curtin Centre’s of Cardiovascular Research and Education (CCRE). His research interests focus on cardiovascular outcome trials and registries and has received over $178M as a Chief Investigator and has over 650 publications with many in the worlds premier clinical journals including NEJM, JAMA and the Lancet.