ONLINE COURSE
Consumer Engagement in Clinical Trials
“The session was extremely informative, and covered a very broad area which was great. The combination of the presentation, discussion and resources to back up how to take the information further in many areas was really helpful.” – Sally Herring, Clinical Project Manager, Bionics Institute
“This workshop provided a comprehensive understanding of consumer engagement in clinical trials. The facilitator was very knowledgeable and made you feel very comfortable and engaged in the workshop.” – Ella Knox, Close-Out study Coordinator, Cabrini Research
In research and clinical trials, consumers and communities are the ultimate beneficiaries of your work.
With valuable first-hand knowledge and experience, consumers and communities provide a unique perspective on diseases and conditions – allowing you to gain insight into the preferences and concerns of those living with them.
For this reason, it’s essential that researchers, consumers, and community members collaborate to ensure research outcomes support and serve the needs of the community.
Engaging consumers correctly and effectively can:
- Enhance community perception of clinical trials and the appeal to participating
- Elevate consumer confidence and relationships with your clinical trials
- Enhance outcomes of your clinical trials that meet the needs of consumers and communities
- Improve trial awareness and acceptance, enhancing clinical trial recruitment
So – where do you start when it comes to engaging consumers and communities in your clinical trials?
This workshop provides you with effective strategies for involving consumers meaningfully in your clinical trials, transcending mere token representation.
You will gain invaluable insights into practical techniques that encompass not only the recruitment of a diverse range of consumers for your clinical trial, but also their sustained engagement.
You will also be equipped with valuable toolkits and templates that empower you to foster enduring partnerships with consumers, ensuring they become advocates for their own health conditions.
This transformative workshop will reshape the way you approach consumer and community engagement in clinical trials. Together, we will explore techniques to amplify the voices of consumers while fostering a collaborative environment that drives meaningful impact.
You can claim 4 CPD points from this workshop.
What will you learn?
At the completion of this session, you will be able to:
- Understand the foundations of effective engagement, involving consumers and communities meaningfully in clinical trials and aligning their interests with research goals.
- Harness practical engagement strategies for attracting and engaging a diverse spectrum of consumers in your clinical trials.
- Empower through advocacy by knowing how to foster a sense of ownership among consumers, transforming them into effective advocates for their health conditions within the clinical trial process.
- Create informed connections by crafting clear, plain language summaries that bridge the gap between technical trial information and consumer comprehension.
- Navigate policies and procedures governing consumer engagement, ensuring your approach remains aligned with evolving regulatory standards.
Facilitator
Dr. Shyamsundar Muthuramalingam (Shyam)
Dr. Shyamsundar Muthuramalingam (Shyam) holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry and is a kidney transplant recipient with personal experience in Haemodialysis (HD) and kidney disease. Combining lived experience and research acumen, he’s a prominent figure in shaping consumer engagement strategies. Dr. Muthuramalingam is at the forefront of devising, executing, and assessing consumer and community involvement initiatives across influential bodies such as ANZDATA, SAHMRI, The George Institute for Global Health, and Kidney Health Australia.
Leading “The Network,” a collective of 120 kidney patients, he drives consumer participation in kidney disease research, fostering enduring collaborations between researchers and consumers. Shyam empowers consumers to contribute to research agendas, research execution, and translation of findings to enhance patient care. As a consumer member of the National Clinical Advisory Committee at KHA and the Australian Medical Council, he represents the community voice in accrediting medical degrees. Notably, his appointment to NHMRC’s Consumer Statement advisory committee reflects his commitment to refining the role of consumers in health and medical research.
Price
$599pp plus GST
*Savings available for group enrolments and for PRAXIS partner organisations.
Next Virtual Workshop
Tuesday 6 August 2025: 10.00am – 14.00pm (AEST)
Wednesday 3 December 2025: 10.00am – 14.00pm (AEST)
Need training on demand?
This session can also be conducted at your location for groups of 10 or more. Ask us about this today.
PRAXIS Australia has the right to cancel a workshop or training session (or move the event format online) due to unforeseen circumstances. For more information regarding our Cancellation Policy and your rights as a student, please see our Student Terms and Conditions.
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