The document discusses the importance of clinical research networks for healthcare. It notes that the Higgins Report emphasizes the importance of academic linkages and research for improved patient care. Clinical research networks are important for developing new therapies, diagnostic tests, clinical pathways, and determining healthcare outcomes. Participation in clinical research is associated with higher quality care and better outcomes. The document outlines the activities of the HRB-Clinical Research Facility Galway, including its staffing levels and research studies conducted. Challenges include engaging clinicians in research and ensuring sustainable funding, while opportunities include integrating clinical and academic research and using data to inform service development.

1. Importance of Clinical Research Networks
On Behalf of HRB-Clinical Research Facility Galway
NUI Galway/WNWHG

2. In my Healthcare setting, clinical research is
• A nuisance
• A luxury
• Important, but funds should be used elsewhere
• An essential part of healthcare

3. Higgins Report
The report emphasises the importance of academic
linkages to focus on the research, innovation, education
and training agendas that are so fundamental to
improved patient care

4. Overview
• Importance of a Clinical Research Network
– Health Care Group/Network
• Advantages of Clinical Research Network
• Developments in WNWHG and NUI Galway

5. Clinical Research Network
• New Therapies
• Diagnostic tests
• Clinical Pathways
• Cost-effectiveness
• Determinants of
healthcare outcomes
• Health Services
• Community/GP
• National/International

6. Participation in Clinical Research
(Quality of Care and Outcomes)
494 Hospitals (n=174,062 with ACS)
CRUSADE Registry
Use of Evidence-based Therapies In-hospital Mortality
Majumdar et al JAMA-Int Med 2008

7. Clinical Research Network

8. Clinical Research Network
(National, Regional, Local)
• Data Management
• Pharmacovigilance
• Trial Coordination
• Biostatistics/Biometrics
• Recruitment
• Coordination
• QRA
HRB

9. Clinical Research Network
(Health Care Group)
Access to research studies

10. Clinical Research Network
(Informing Service Development)
• Data Management
• Biostatistics/Biometrics
• Health Service
• Value-based Health Care
• Community/GP
• Collaborations

11. Clinical Research Team, HRB-CRFG
Since 2008, our staff complement has grown from 5 to 43 members.
Our 43-person staff includes;
Director, Associate Director, Programme Manager, Clinical Research IT
Manager, Research Nurse Manager, Quality and Regulatory Affairs
Manager, Biostatisticians (3), Study Coordinator (1), Research Nurse (14),
Research Assistants (5), Database Developer (1), Research Pharmacists (2),
Administrative Assistant (1), Data Manager (3) and Data Associates (2).
PhD student candidates, each of whom holds personnel awards.

12. Training
• MSc Clinical Research
– 38 active students
• 4th Annual Biostatistics Summer School delivered June 2013
• Workshops in Biostatistics
• GCP training

13. HRB CRFG Current Research Activity
Cumulative Number of Studies at HRB-Clinical Research Facility (2008-2013)

14. Clinical Research Activity

15. HRB-Clinical Research Activity
• Funding
• Publications

16. HRB-Clinical Research Facility-Galway
• 7 Consulting Rooms
• 8 Bed Outpatient Beds
• 8 Bed Inpatient Ward
• Minor Operations Room
• Endoscopy Suite
• Endocrine Suite
• Cardiorespiratory Suite
• Phlebotomy Room
• Biometrics Unit
2007: Capital funding for the HRB Clinical
Projected commencement date is Sept 2013
Completion projected Jan 2015
Health Research Board

17. HRB-Clinical Research Facility-Galway
• 7 Consulting Rooms
• 8 Bed Outpatient Beds
• 8 Bed Inpatient Ward
• Minor Operations Room
• Endoscopy Suite
• Endocrine Suite
• Cardiorespiratory Suite
• Phlebotomy Room
• Biometrics Unit
2007: Capital funding for the HRB Clinical
Projected commencement date is Sept 2013
Completion projected Jan 2015
Health Research Board

18. Clinical Research Network
(Health Care Group)
Access to research studies

19. Challenges
• Culture of Clinical Research in Clinical Medicine
– Engaging people in clinical research
• Sustainable Funding Model
• Retention of Specialist Staff (Career-track)
• Increase Quality of Research Outputs

20. Opportunities
• Integrated clinical and academic research community
• Data-informed development in clinical service
• Deliver opportunity of research studies to patients
• Contribute to advancing useful medical knowledge