People with advanced disease may experience a range of distressing and difficult to manage symptoms. Access to novel treatments for symptom management through clinical trials is limited in regional, rural, and remote locations. This project provides access to clinical trials for symptom control in advanced disease to all Queenslanders regardless of location through development of a state-wide Palliative Care Research Tele-trial network.

When developing the network a codesign approach was used with initial efforts directed towards building relationships with key stakeholders, and acquiring resources such as ethics approval and grants. During the implementation phase, we are translating this model into recruitment of rural, regional, and remote patients to a clinical trial of medicinal cannabis for the relief of symptoms in advanced cancer. Looking ahead we aim to ensure sustainability of the network for use in future research trials aimed at alleviating symptoms in Queenslanders with a life-limiting illness.