ONLINE COURSE
Consumer Engagement That Drives Recruitment & Reduces Research and Trial Costs
“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
Imagine cutting your clinical trial recruitment time, reducing dropout rates, and turning participants into powerful advocates. That’s what effective consumer & community engagement delivers. By tapping into lived experience, trial teams not only gain insight into what people actually need but also build trust that significantly increases participation, awareness, and trial impact.
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
Who should attend:
- Clinical Trial Managers and Coordinators
- Sponsors and CRO Representatives
- Ethics and Governance Officers
- Patients and Community Advocates
- Academics and Site Researcher
This workshop is designed for anyone involved in planning, managing, or supporting clinical trials who want to create more inclusive, trusted, and successful research outcomes.
What will you learn?
At the completion of this session, you will be able to:
- Master proven models of engagement so every stakeholder, consumer, regulator, and community feels heard and invested.
- Learn engagement strategies that are not just ethical, but efficient: reaching diverse audiences, reducing recruitment delays.
- Turn participants into advocates for your research, strengthening retention and expanding awareness beyond the trial.
- Craft plain-language summaries and communications that reduce misunderstanding, complaints, and dropout.
- Navigate rapidly changing policy requirements confidently - avoiding costly compliance mistakes.
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
Price: $599 +GST pp
PRAXIS Partner price: $479 +GST pp
*Savings available for group enrolments and for PRAXIS partner organisations.
Next Virtual Workshop
Thursday 6 August 2026: 10.00am – 2.00pm (Sydney Time)
Thursday 3 December 2026: 10.00am – 2.00pm (Sydney Time)
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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