How can my child participate in a clinical trial?
If your child is receiving care at one of our hospitals, your doctor might talk to you about enrolling your child in a clinical trial.
If you are interested in having your child participate in a clinical trial or would like further information about clinical trials currently available, you can reach out to our friendly staff.
Searching for clinical trials in Australia
All clinical trials in Australia are recorded on the Australian Clinical Trials website where anyone can search by broad health condition or specific condition.
See our video tutorial in how to search for current trials being conducted in Australia.
If you would like to know more about clinical trials for your child, it is a good idea to speak with their treating doctor.
Search for trials
Frequently asked questions
Does my child have to provide consent to participate?
Anyone who participates in a clinical trial needs to give informed consent. In Australia, this is different when it comes to clinical trials pertaining to children/young people, or participants under the age of 18.
Typically, informed consent involves the communication of the details of the clinical trial to participants. Sometimes children/young people are unable to provide informed consent. This could be because of their young age or their illness or condition.
It is important to know that if you do not wish for your child to participate in a clinical trial, you are allowed to say no. You are also free to withdraw your child from a trial at any time.
The Australian Clinical Trials website provides detailed information for parents/guardians about clinical trials and children.
Why should I enrol my child in a clinical trial?
There are a number of reasons parents/guardians may want to enrol their child in a clinical trial.
- Clinical trials can be a way your child accesses the best possible care at our hospitals.
- Your child will be helping researchers find better ways to care for children.
- Participating in a trial means your child may receive extra care, including closer monitoring and specialised testing that may not be a part of the standard care.
- You may have more access to advice and care from leading professionals in their field.
Can I leave a trial?
Your child is free to withdraw from a clinical trial at any time. You do not have to provide a reason in doing so. Leaving a trial does not affect your relationship with your doctor or prevent you from receiving other treatments at our hospitals.
It is very important to let one of the health staff involved in the trial know about the withdrawal, as it will help them provide any information about potential outcomes by leaving the trial. This could relate to your child’s health or to the information collected in the time leading to withdrawal.
What do I expect when enrolling?
Anyone taking part in a trial must be fully informed about the objectives of the research, what is expected of them and any risks and potential inconveniences that may be experienced during and after the trial.
You will have many opportunities to ask questions to your doctor or health professional. See our questions to ask page for more information.