Poster Presentation Clinical Oncology Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting 2026

Improving clinical trial access, awareness and collaboration across NSW: Findings from a statewide program evaluation (#524)

Maria Mury 1 , Lindsey Jasicki 1 , Melissa Minett 1 , Brooke Stapleton 1 , Barbara Daveson 1
  1. Cancer Institute NSW, St Leonards, NSW, Australia

Introduction     

Clinical trials are a foundation of high-quality cancer research. Improving awareness, access and participation in clinical trials is a priority of the NSW Cancer Plan.

The Cancer Institute NSW monitors clinical trial participation across NSW and delivers statewide initiatives to improve clinical trial availability, awareness, access and collaboration.

Aim

To evaluate the implementation, reach and early effectiveness of statewide initiatives designed to improve clinical trial awareness, access, participation and collaboration across NSW.

Methods

Underpinned by a program logic model, a mixed-methods evaluation assessed implementation, reach and early outcomes using administrative participation data, activity metrics and stakeholder-reported uptake of resources and education initiatives.  

Results

  • Cancer clinical trials open for recruitment increased from 766 to 795.
  • More than 6,400 enrolments were recorded, demonstrating substantial statewide research participation.
  • Lower participation among CALD populations and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples highlighted ongoing inequities in access and awareness.
  • Three clinical trial information resources were translated into 20 languages, accessed 326 times, and adopted by local health districts.
  • Primary care clinical trial resources received 704 webpage visits, extending engagement beyond specialist services.
  • Ten education sessions reached 289 participants from 13 LHDs, strengthening statewide capability and collaboration.

Conclusion

This evaluation demonstrates the value of a coordinated statewide approach to measuring clinical trial participation, identifying inequities in access and implementing system-level interventions. While participation remains uneven across population groups, findings suggest that consumer-facing resources, primary care engagement and workforce capability initiatives can support more equitable awareness and access to clinical trials. Ongoing monitoring and evaluation are important to understand impact on participation outcomes and inform future investment in initiatives across NSW. Together, these initiatives contribute to building capability and collaboration across the cancer system, helping patients consider opportunities to participate in cancer research and supporting a more equitable and sustainable clinical trials system.