Clinical trials play a vital role in improving health care by giving people access to new and emerging treatments. Traditionally, many trials have only been available through large metropolitan hospitals, making it difficult for people in regional and rural areas to take part.
Teletrials change this by using digital telecommunication to allow local health services to conduct clinical trials closer to where people live. Instead of travelling long distances, patients can complete some or all trial activities through their local hospital or primary care provider or via virtual appointments, while still being supported by specialist trial teams.
A recent paper in the Asia‑Pacific Journal of Clinical Oncology highlights how collaboration across Victoria has helped make teletrials safe, practical and consistent, improving access to clinical trials for regional patients. The paper describes the collective efforts of health services, researchers and government partners working together to address long‑standing barriers to participation.
Read the report: Implementing Teletrials to Improve Equity of Access for Regional Patients With Cancer: Report From the Victorian Teletrial Collaborative
Safer Care Victoria plays a key role in this work by by implementing the Australian Teletrial Program in Victoria, supporting national alignment on standards, shared tools and clear information. This coordinated approach ensures teletrials are delivered safely, fairly and consistently across the system.
Together, this work supports better access to clinical trials for people who might otherwise miss out, reduces travel and disruption for patients and families, and helps ensure high‑quality care is available regardless of where someone lives. By strengthening collaboration across the health system, teletrials are helping to make clinical research more inclusive, more equitable and better connected to local communities.