Metro South Health offers a range of research education, training and information sessions.

Ethics and Governance - Ethics Review Manager (ERM) platform training

• Quick guide for researchers (PDF, 51.42 KB)
• Training package (PDF, 3.31 MB)
• ERM training sessions schedule (PDF, 151.36 KB)

CHR 30 minute research-focussed info sessions

The Centres for Health Research (CHR) presents a regular series of 30 minute seminars on a variety of research topics designed to broaden the individual’s understanding of the processes underpinning the conduct of research within Metro South Health. Clinicians, researchers and clinical trial coordinators are welcome to attend. No RSVP required.  We look forward to seeing you at these brief but informative sessions, held in either seminar rooms 2004 or 2003 of the Translational Research Institute (TRI).

Upcoming seminar dates

View the TRI events listing.

Previous seminars

View previous seminars such as:

• What types of consent and when?
• GCP essentials
• Post-approval responsibilities
• The governance process
• Developing and leading an effective research team
• Metro South Health Research Support Scheme
• PowerTrials, a researchers toolkit
• Clinical Research Facility update
• The Cancer Collaborative Biobank: Key emerging research infrastructure

Ethics and research governance - drop-in sessions

The Metro South Health Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) and Research Governance Offices offer a monthly ‘Drop-in session’ to provide tailored guidance on the ethical clearance and research governance authorisation processes.  These sessions are an opportunity for both novice and seasoned researchers to discuss specific elements of their research project.

View a list of 2018 drop-in sessions (PDF, 186.62 KB)

Metro South Health Biostatistics Service

The Metro South Health Biostatistics Service offers a range of one on one services to Metro South Health clinicians and researchers on a range of topics including:

• Longitudinal Data Analysis
• Survival Analysis
• Analysing Categorical Outcome Variables
• Tests for Multiple Measurement Variables
• Statistical Inference - Tests for Categorical and Continuous Variables
• Descriptive Statistics and Presentation of Data
• Sample Size and Power Calculations
• Designing Studies and Surveys

A resident biostatistician is available for consultations every weekday with waiting times ranging from a few days to a fortnight depending on current demand, and can provide advice on:

• Experimental design
• Data mining
• Data presentation
• Statistical analysis
• Data integration

The provider for this service is the Queensland Facility for Advanced Bioinformatics (QFAB), University of Queensland. Bookings and enquiries can be made directly on QFAB’s website and the biostatistician can be contacted via email biostats@qfab.org.

In addition, the service holds a biostatistics seminar series at least once a year. See Metro South Health research events for more information.

This service is funded by the Metro South Health Study, Education and Research Trust Account (SERTA).

Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training

The guideline for Good Clinical Practice (GCP) is an international ethical and scientific quality standard for designing, conducting, recording and reporting of clinical trials that involve human participants.  Metro South Research Council has endorsed a mandate for all researchers involved in clinical trials to undertake accredited GCP training.

Clinical Trials are not just pharmaceutical trials but any research investigations involving human participants to test new treatments, interventions or tests.  These types of studies would ordinarily require full ethical review by a NHMRC Certified Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC).

New Clinical Trials

From 1 February 2020, all Principal Investigators (PI’s) and research personnel submitting a new clinical trial for research governance authorisation within Metro South must provide evidence of accredited GCP certification undertaken within the previous 3 years. Evidence of GCP certification will form a requirement for Site-Specific Assessment (SSA) authorisation. The responsibility for ensuring that all members of the research team undertake GCP training prior to the commencement of the study, rests with the PI at the site.  

Existing Clinical Trials

From 1 June 2020, all researchers conducting clinical trials authorised prior to 1 February 2020 must provide evidence of GCP certification.

Free online GCP training can be completed via these external providers:

• Global Health Training Centre
• National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network
• PharmaLessons

Researchers intending for Metro South Health to act as Sponsor for clinical trials utilising unapproved therapeutic goods, must complete a face to face GCP Course following completion of the online GCP course.  Registration for these sessions will be facilitated by the Metro South Research office.

When completing available online courses it is important to register online and complete the course in its entirety.

It is also recommended that researchers access the GCP in Australia guidelines and tools to provide further guidance and assistance.

PowerTrials Training

PowerTrials training is offered through LEAPOnline – please view PTF2 - MSH PowerTrials WBT eLearning Module and use the username and password provided.

PowerTrials Quick Reference Guides are also available through Metro South Digital.

Library Research Support and Training

Princess Alexandra Hospital Library supports medical, allied health and nursing staff who are undertaking work related research activities and offers Literature Searching and Endnote training.