WACHS Trial Centre helps bring national menopause study to regional WA communities

Country Western Australia is playing a key role in the national REAFFIRM clinical trial, with 18 participants recruited across three regional locations, demonstrating the value of strong partnerships in delivering clinical trial research closer to home.

Led from South Australia by Assoc. Prof. Erin Morton, the multicentre study is evaluating a telehealth-supported education and reinforcement model to improve menopause care in rural and remote settings.

REAFFIRM aims to enhance clinician knowledge and confidence in perimenopause and menopause care, addressing an important healthcare issue for women living outside major cities.

In WA, participants have been recruited through Port Hedland Medical Centre, Bridgetown Medical Centre and the Desert Blue Connect Women’s Wellness Centre.

The success of the WA arm has been enhanced by collaboration with the WA Country Health Service (WACHS) Trial Centre, helping support research access beyond the metropolitan area and strengthening health outcomes for country communities.

Working alongside local health services and investigators, the WACHS Trial Centre supports regional sites participating in high-quality research, enabling patients in rural and remote communities to contribute to nationally significant studies without the need to travel to metropolitan centres.

Additionally, the Trial Centre provides assistance for study start-up, governance, regulatory requirements, site coordination and workforce capability.

WACHS Trial Centre Clinical Trial Manager Nadine Herren said that building regional clinical trial capability is central to the Trial Centre’s mission.

“We want to ensure people in rural and remote communities have equity of access to clinical trials closer to home,” Nadine said.

“It’s wonderful to see local teams and research partners working together to make that possible for our communities.”

Assoc. Prof. Erin Morton said working with the WACHS Trial Centre had put the study on a firm footing in country WA.

“Working with the WA team has been straightforward, easy, and genuinely friendly and collaborative – all aspects very much appreciated in the complex, fast-paced environment of clinical trials.

“By helping healthcare professionals bridge geographical distances, we can improve the health and well-being of countless women experiencing peri- and menopause in rural and remote areas.”

For more information on the REAFFIRM trial and other clinical trials currently underway, visit WA Country Health Service - Clinical trials