30 March 2020
COVID-19 Guidance for Clinical Trials and Research Projects – Department of Health and Human Services, Victoria
COVID-19 guidance has been developed nationally, relating to clinical trials and related projects. Please refer to the National Mutual Acceptance (NMA) page of the Clinical Trials and Research website for information.
This page includes:
• National guidance from the Australian Clinical Trial Project Reference Group (CTPRG)
• Combined industry guidance from the Research & Development Taskforce (RDTF)
Documents will be updated as the COVID-19 situation progresses, so please refer to the website each time you require information.
Consent for COVID-19 Research Projects
There is a template Participant Information and Consent Form (PICF) available for Coronavirus or related research that involves collection of health information and/or samples.
Please note that the template PICF wording relates to Victorian legislation.
If you are using the PICF template for a National Mutual Acceptance (NMA) project, please insert specific references for health information and samples in line with relevant state/territory legislation.
Research Projects in Victoria
Many Victorian hospital research offices have published information on their websites regarding the impact of COVID-19. A list of the websites is on the Clinical Trials and Research website.
If you have questions or concerns about ongoing research projects, please refer to the reviewing organisation’s website in the first instance. Should you need to contact the research office directly, their details are available on the websites.
Victorian Research Managers have released a COVID-19 statement, which is on the Clinical Trials and Research website.
NHMRC Information
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) has published a statement on COVID-19 impact, including information for recipients of NHMRC research grants.
The statement is available on the NHMRC website.
Business as Usual
The Coordinating Office for Clinical Trial Research remains available to assist you with ethics and governance enquiries, and ERM guidance.
Email: multisite.ethics@dhhs.vic.gov.au
Researcher enquiries: 03 9096 7394
Research office information: 03 9096 7398
Hours: 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday
We thank you for your patience and understanding during this time, while there may be restrictions to usual work environments.
ERM
For ERM assistance, Infonetica Helpdesk are operating business as usual.
Email: helpdesk@infonetica.net
Phone: 02 9037 8404
Hours: 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday
For the latest information on Covid-19 in Victoria, visit the Department of Health and Human Services website: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus.
This information is provided by:
Coordinating Office for Clinical Trial Research,
Department of Health and Human Services, Victoria
