Psych: Clinical Trials Research Group

Mission Statement

The Clinical Trials Research Group is striving towards excellence in psychiatric research. CTRG is focused on conducting a high standard of research according to safe and ethical practice, with the overall aim to advance the quality of patient care.

Trials

The Clinical Trials Research Group conducts clinical trials in the area of mental health. Whilst our current focus is in the area of schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders, CTRG is aiming to expand its research towards broader studies looking at the psychopharmacology and biological basis of various different psychiatric conditions. Research underway at the moment includes trials evaluating the effectiveness and efficacy of new formulations of atypical antipsychotics, and observational post-marketing follow-up studies recording efficacy and treatment practices and collecting long-term drug safety data.

Resources

CTRG has the resources to conduct a number of trials with a variety of different requirements. We have a spacious research area with a fully equipped treatment room suitable for conducting clinical research. Based at Dandenong Hospital, within the Southern Health region, we have a broad area from which to recruit trial participants. Southern Health has four acute treatment wards and a number of community and mobile support teams with which the CTRG communicates regularly regarding upcoming trials and recruitment needs. The CTRG also communicates with the broader psychiatric services community by offering research support and advising of the various trials being conducted by the CTRG.

Clinical Measurement Training

As part of the scope of the CTRG, resources are provided and training sessions are held to enhance the clinical skills of medical, nursing and other mental health professionals in clinical measurement and trial methodology. Our aim is to further the knowledge and experience of mental health professionals in using established clinical measurement systems for routine clinical activity, as well as, support professionals in any mental health research they undertake.

The CTRG has conducted a clinical measurement training day for medical staff and plans are underway for a ward staff training session. The CTRG welcomes enquiries into these information sessions and we are happy to provide information sessions, training and resources for clinicians. The CTRG encourages trainees, consultants and other professionals to attend these training sessions to promote the use of established measurement systems and research into mental health. Research promotes greater understanding, more refined treatment options and exciting learning opportunities for professionals and consumers.

Content maintained by: research.psych@med.monash.edu.au