Aims
Awareness and understanding of clinical trials in regional and remote communities is low. TrialHub, a federal-funded program working with regional hospital clinical trial units, identified the need to improve messages on the value of clinical trials in hard-to-reach areas, beyond traditional methods, as regional clinical trial availability increases.
Method
TrialHub has developed a regional clinical trial ambassador program. They act as a real-life testimonial, an advocate who represents clinical trials across a wide range of mediums and infiltrates hard-to-reach communities.
They have been on a clinical trial/ or have been the carer of a clinical trial participant, they want to share their story and experience with their community. They are separate to the consumer advisor, but still work hand-in-hand, they are an external voice in the community.
They are supported, and equipped, to share their story – the good and bad – in the capacity they feel comfortable and in their own words. They are a trusted and additional source of information for their community.
Clinical trial ambassadors are located in different geographical regions, have diverse demographics such as age, interests, race and sex and cancer type.
Results
Over 12-months, our ambassadors have provided consistent awareness among the Gippsland region, across the State and now nationally. They have become well-known, they’ve had people reach out to them, and have been involved in the following;
Conclusion
This unique program will be expanded to more regional areas, ensuring more Australians are receiving information about clinical trials from an ambassador in their community and through a structured and measured approach.