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Clinical Trials and Research

Perinatal Research

Perinatal clinical trials and research projects are designed to be able to answer important questions about the care and health of childbearing women and their babies. The goals of these studies are to support a national and international collaborative approach to evidence based health care. Evidence based health care ensures that women and their infants receive the best possible care, based on the best possible evidence.

The Institute of Women’s and Children’s Health at The Townsville Hospital (TTH) collaborates on a number of large-scale, national and international perinatal clinical trials and research projects. All clinical trials and research projects conducted at the hospital are approved and assigned a protocol number by The Townsville Health Service District Ethics Committee. This safeguard ensures that the medical and ethical experts who have evaluated each study believe that the study does not pose any unnecessary or inappropriate risks to women or their babies.

Perinatal Research Projects - currently in progress

Project Name	Research Question
AMOSS Australian Maternity Outcomes Surveillance System	The study of rare severe conditions in pregnancy to improve the safety and quality of maternity care in Australasia. AMOSS - Australian Maternity Outcomes Surveillance System

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Perinatal Clinical Trials - currently recruiting

Project Name	Research Question
IDEAL Investigation of Dietary Advice and Lifestyle for Women with Borderline Gestational Diabetes	Does dietary and lifestyle advice improve health outcomes for women with borderline gestational diabetes and their babies? The Robinson Institute ARCH: Women & Babies Health IDEAL
A*STEROID Australian Antenatal Study To Evaluate the Role Of Intramuscular Dexamethasone versus Betamethasone prior to preterm birth to increase survival free of childhood neurosensory disability.	Compared with Betamethasone use, does Dexamethasone use prior to preterm birth improve morbidity and mortality for newborns? The Robinson Institute ARCH: Women & Babies Health A*STEROID
PROGRESS For previous preterm birth for the prevention of neonatal respiratory distress.	In women with preterm pre-labour ruptured membranes (PPROM) between 34 wks and 36 weeks gestation is planned early delivery compared with expectant management associated with less neonatal and maternal morbidity? The Robinson Institute ARCH: Women & Babies Health PROGRESS
PPROMT Immediate Delivery Vs Expectant Care In Women With Preterm Pre-labour Rupture Of The Membranes Close To Term	In women with preterm pre-labour ruptured membranes (PPROM) between 34 wks and 36 weeks gestation is planned early delivery compared with expectant management associated with less neonatal and maternal morbidity? The Robinson Institute ARCH: Women & Babies Health PPROMT

If you are invited to participate in a research project or a clinical trial, it is important that you understand your rights and responsibilities.

• You have the right to full and complete information about what the study means for you personally. This process is known as informed consent.
• It is your choice whether or not you want to join a research study. Only you can decide whether joining a trial is right for you or not. If possible you should discuss your participation in the study with your family.
• You have the right to withdraw from a research study whenever you want, and for any reason.
• You have the right to ask questions about the study, both before it begins and as it continues.

All the data collected is kept confidential and is de-identified thereby protecting your privacy. No identifiable data is published and all records are kept in a secure locked cupboard.

If you are interested in participating in a perinatal clinical trial or research project, or would like more information, then please contact a member of The Townsville Hospital Perinatal Research Team: Telephone: +61 7 4433 1467; or email The Perinatal Research team

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Relevant Links

The Cochrane Library

National Health and Medical Research Council

Queensland Health Research and Ethics Management

Clinical Trials and Research, The Townsville Hospital