Media release – Dr Jodi Glading, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, 19 May 2023
Celebrating lifesaving research in the Tasmanian Health Service on International Clinical Trials Day
The vital role of clinical trials and research in Tasmanian healthcare is being highlighted to mark International Clinical Trials Day, which is celebrated globally on 20 May.
More than 470 research projects are currently underway across the Tasmanian Health Service, ensuring thousands of patients and their families benefit from cutting edge treatments that they would otherwise not be able to access, including pharmaceuticals, devices, and new treatments and procedures.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Jodi Glading, said a range of vital clinical trials in Tasmania were focused on improving outcomes for patients.
“Clinical trials investigate new ways of preventing, diagnosing, or treating conditions and diseases, and help to explore whether new treatments are safe and effective,’’ Dr Glading said.
“Nearly half of clinical trials in our public hospitals and health services across the state are in cancer research, alongside research programs in cardiology, emergency medicine, and intensive care medicine
“We also have research projects targeting specific health needs of Tasmanians, including COVID-19 research, diabetes prevention and management, allied health services, and oral health care.
“Research is a collaborative effort, and the Tasmanian Department of Health works alongside a variety of partners on conducting research projects, linking data, and funding projects.
“I would like to thank all of our staff and partners, who dedicate time and effort in developing the medical treatments of tomorrow and play an important part in improving the lives of Tasmanians now and for years to come.”
International Clinical Trials Day commemorates naval doctor James Lind’s first controlled clinical trial to determine the cause of scurvy in 1747.
By dividing 12 sailors into separate groups and testing the effect of providing different treatments to each group, Dr Lind was able to provide evidence of the benefit of consuming fruit to prevent scurvy, laying the foundations for developing new treatments to address public health issues.
