Summary
It’s full steam ahead for research at Central Queensland Health, recognising the importance of this space for our health service and patients.
The Research Development Team has had a huge year, finalising a new Research and Clinical Trials Strategy, Research Governance Committee and implementing the National Clinical Trials Framework.
Research Development Coordinator Evie Perrins said the team provided the specialised operational expertise that underpinned high-quality research and clinical trials.
"Our work streamlines complex processes such as ethics and governance, grant development, contracts, sponsor engagement and scientific writing, enabling researchers to focus on the clinical and scientific work at the heart of their projects," Evie said.
“We streamline other tasks for researchers, including sponsor negotiations, contracts, developments and reporting to reduce the burden.
“It’s a niche area, even with a clinical background, jumping into research can feel like you’re standing at the base of a mountain. We can help them through that and make research more achievable and more meaningful.”
The new Research and Clinical Trials Strategy brings together clinicians from across medicine, nursing and allied health, ensuring projects deliver real value for Central Queensland communities.
The Research Governance Committee will be caretakers of the Strategy, bringing key stakeholders together with a collective voice to overcome barriers.
Evie is passionate about research. She has a Masters of Research with University of Sydney, and is working on a second Masters, in Applied Epidemiology with the Australian National University in Canberra.
“Health research is so critically important,” she said. “It’s such a great way to contribute meaningfully.
“In regional areas with higher burdens of preventable illness, research becomes a powerful tool to confront those inequities and improve long-term outcomes.”
While the Research Development Team’s foundation was in Public Health, it has now broadened its scope, supporting Central Queensland Health cardiology through its inaugural clinical trial and emerging grant activity.
They are contributing to a more coordinated research environment across the health service, offering guidance throughout key stages of the research pathway as CQHHS continues to strengthen its research maturity.