1,000th Sign-Up for Palliative Care Clinical Trials
Australians with life-limiting illnesses are helping others in a similar situation around the country and worldwide by taking part in trials of palliative medicines.
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10 December 2012
Australians with life-limiting illnesses are helping others in a similar situation around the country and worldwide by taking part in trials of palliative medicines.
Speaking in Melbourne at the Palliative Care Nurses Australia Conference, Minister for Ageing Mark Butler said the Australian Government-funded clinical trials had recruited their 1,000th participant.
“These world-leading studies, by the Palliative Care Clinical Studies Collaborative, led by Flinders University in South Australia, will answer many questions on the most effective use of medicines,” Mr Butler said.
“Unlike most other areas of medicine, palliative care services around the world can vary widely.”
“The Australian Government has provided almost $14 million to the collaborative since 2007, a very significant investment in global terms in palliative care clinical studies.”
“This project has shown that such trials are not only possible but essential.”
“People with life-limiting illnesses deserve exactly the same quality of health care as everyone else.”
Mr Butler added that patients who have volunteered to take part in the clinical trials have shown they want to help improve the quality of palliative care for others.
“These trials help decide whether particular medications are beneficial in palliative care, giving us important guidance for the future as well as peace of mind for patients, families and carers.”
The evidence from the completed studies is already being put into practice worldwide, while the randomised trial model is being replicated in the US.
Further studies are under way in Australia on topics including breathlessness, nausea, delirium and appetite.
The collaborative was established by the Australian Government in 2007. It is a consortium of 12 centres around the country working together to increase the knowledge available to palliative care professionals.
For more information, contact the Minister’s Office on 02 6277 7280
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