Development of a Methodology Hub for the island of Ireland
Lead Research Organisation:
Queen's University Belfast
Department Name: Centre for Public Health
Abstract
This proposal is to develop an expert centre in design and analysis of clinical trials (a Methodology Hub). The Hub will support the design and conduct of clinical trials throughout Ireland, and will provide training to staff who are designing clinical trials. This will result in better quality trials, which are more likely to produce correct results. In turn, this will lead to more efficient use of funds and improved healthcare for patients.
Technical Summary
The overarching aim of this proposal is to develop a Methodology Hub, based in Belfast, which will lead the development of clinical trial methodology on the island of Ireland. The Methodology Hub, when established, will:
1) Develop beacons of excellence in specific areas of trial methodology research.
2) Build training capacity, on an all-island basis, in novel methodologies that span a range of complex intervention types, with an emphasis on translation to improve practice and health outcomes.
3) Improve patient care by strengthening the relevance and validity of the healthcare evidence base, with specific reference to healthcare needs and priorities on the island of Ireland.
4) Establish strong collaborative networks with established Methodology Hubs within the UK and with centres with relevant expertise throughout Ireland.
This proposal seeks to build on existing clinical research infrastructure and investment to facilitate the development of a world-class environment for conducting methodological research. The Hub will aim to improve the design, conduct and analysis of clinical trials and will establish training programmes to develop the next generation of clinical trialists, trial methodologists and clinical trial personnel. A programme of work will be carried out to increase the validity and relevance of early and late phase clinical trials through improved design, conduct and analysis, initially in relation to cancer, vision, public health and nutrition, with a particular emphasis on behavioural modification and complex interventions. The Director and other Hub staff will develop a balanced methodological research portfolio, generated and supported by a broad team of clinical investigators. Mutually beneficial collaborations will be developed with industry where appropriate, and strong linkages with trialists and policy makers throughout Ireland and the UK in order to ensure the dissemination and rapid application of research findings. These linkages will ensure that a research agenda for trial methodology can be maintained which is informed by the needs of the research community.
1) Develop beacons of excellence in specific areas of trial methodology research.
2) Build training capacity, on an all-island basis, in novel methodologies that span a range of complex intervention types, with an emphasis on translation to improve practice and health outcomes.
3) Improve patient care by strengthening the relevance and validity of the healthcare evidence base, with specific reference to healthcare needs and priorities on the island of Ireland.
4) Establish strong collaborative networks with established Methodology Hubs within the UK and with centres with relevant expertise throughout Ireland.
This proposal seeks to build on existing clinical research infrastructure and investment to facilitate the development of a world-class environment for conducting methodological research. The Hub will aim to improve the design, conduct and analysis of clinical trials and will establish training programmes to develop the next generation of clinical trialists, trial methodologists and clinical trial personnel. A programme of work will be carried out to increase the validity and relevance of early and late phase clinical trials through improved design, conduct and analysis, initially in relation to cancer, vision, public health and nutrition, with a particular emphasis on behavioural modification and complex interventions. The Director and other Hub staff will develop a balanced methodological research portfolio, generated and supported by a broad team of clinical investigators. Mutually beneficial collaborations will be developed with industry where appropriate, and strong linkages with trialists and policy makers throughout Ireland and the UK in order to ensure the dissemination and rapid application of research findings. These linkages will ensure that a research agenda for trial methodology can be maintained which is informed by the needs of the research community.