The field of clinical trials research in the Intensive Care environment has expanded significantly over the previous decade. The number of clinical trials being conducted in Australia and New Zealand has increased dramatically and commensurate with this, the complexity of the research projects has risen. In 1998 the pivotal role of Research Co-ordinators (RC) in managing the conduct of clinical trials in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) in Australia and New Zealand had gained increased recognition. It also became apparent that many RCs were working in isolation in this dynamic but ultimately stressful environment. Therefore, RCs often lacked the guidance and support, which can be offered by their peers.
In response to these concerns, a group of dedicated RCs from Australia and New Zealand, with the support of the Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society Clinical Trials Group (ANZICS CTG), formed the Intensive care Research Coordinators Interest Group (IRCIG). The IRCIG was formalised in March 2000 with its first meeting and the election of a committee.
The Intensive Care Research Coordinator Interest Group (IRCIG) is:
- The IRCIG is an endorsed working group of the ANZICS CTG, consistent with the principles contained within the ANZICS CTG Terms of Reference and ANZICS Regulations
- A collective of dedicated Research Coordinators (RC) who collaborate to support and facilitate the activities of the CTG
- A subgroup which has representation on the CTG Executive Committee
The specific aims of the IRCIG are to:
- Provide peer support for ICU RCs
- Assist with communication between ICU RCs throughout Australia and New Zealand
- Endeavour to meet the educational requirements of ICU RCs
- Promote recognition of the pivotal role of the ICU RC in clinical trials
- Provide a forum for discussion of issues related to ICU RCs
- Advise the ANZICS CTG on issues concerning ICU RCs
- Promote ICU inter-hospital nursing and RC related research projects
- Ensure ANZICS CTG studies receive input from RCs through representation on project executive committees and review of projects submitted to the CTG for endorsement
An Executive Committee administers the IRCIG. The Executive Committee of the IRCIG consists of Chairperson, Past Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, RC email list moderator, 6 regional representatives (New Zealand, South Australia and Tasmania, Northern Territory and Western Australia, Queensland, New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory, Victoria) and an RC representative from the paediatric study group.
The IRCIG is run accordance with their Terms of Reference (download the IRCIG Terms of Reference).
IRCIG Executive
| Heidi Buhr | RPA Hospital, NSW | |
| Vice-Chair | Rick McAllister | Royal Hobart Hospital, TAS |
| Secretary | Lynette Morrison | Logan Hospital, QLD |
| Email List Moderator | Stephanie Menadue | Western Health Hospital, VIC |
| Paediatric Representative | Kerry Johnson | Queensland Children’s Hospital, QLD |
| Regional Mentors | ||
| NZ | Keri-Anne Cowdrey | Christchurch Hospital, NZ |
| Qld | Meg Harward | Princess Alexandra Hospital, QLD |
| SA | Patricia Williams | The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, SA |
| WA | Janet Ferrier | St John of God Subiaco Hospital, WA |
| VIC | Deborah Barge | Royal Melbourne Hospital, VIC |
| NSW/ACT | Anne O’Connor | Royal North Shore Hospital, NSW |
| TAS | Rick McAllister | Royal Hobart Hospital, TAS |
| Regional Representative | ||
| WA/NT | Sharon Waterson | Royal Perth Hospital, WA |
| SA/TAS | JoAnne McIntyre | Flinder Medical Centre, SA |
| NZ | Stacey Morgan | Christchurch Hospital, NZ |
| VIC | Simone Said | Northern Health, VIC |
| QLD | Lauren Murray | Sunshine Coast University Hospital, QLD |
| NSW/ACT | Rebecca Gresham | Nepean Hospital, NSW |
Business Meetings
The IRCIG conducts business meetings which aim to provide a forum for Research Coordinators to discuss research related issues with their peers and set the direction and future activities of the group. The IRCIG business meetings are held bi-annually at the CTG’s scientific meetings. These business meetings are open to attendance by the IRCIG membership.
ICU Research Coordinators Workshop
A Research Coordinator workshop is held annually in conjunction with the ANZICS Clinical Trials Group Meeting on Clinical Trials in Intensive Care. This workshop is open to attendance by any individual interested in the field of intensive care research, both members and non-members, as long as they hold no commercial interests. The key focus of this seminar is to provide educational sessions relevant to the area of intensive care research. The seminar also allows a forum for RCs to present study proposals to the group.
| ANZICS Clinical Trials Group Annual Meeting | ICU Research Coordinator Workshop | ANZICS PSG Meeting |
UPCOMING MEETINGS
ICU Research Coordinator Workshop 2025
Monday 3 March 2025
Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas, Noosa, Queensland, Australia
- Call for presentations (tba)
- Registrations
- Accommodation
- Getting There
- Program Brochure 2025
The ICU Research Coordinator Workshop is an integral part of the Noosa conference program. This unique and highly-valuable educational forum provides an opportunity for ICU Research Coordinators to network, share ideas and experiences, and further the development of research coordination as a specialised area of critical care research.
If you have any queries please contact the ANZICS office (+61 (0)3 9340 3455 / ctgadmin@anzics.org)
The Intensive care Research Coordinator Interest Group (IRCIG) Mentor Program is an initiative of the IRCIG. The IRCIG recognises that many Research Coordinators are new to research and are also working in isolation. Therefore, Research Coordinators often lack the guidance and support, which can be offered by their peers. In order to address this issue, the IRCIG has established a Mentor Program.
Aims
The aims of the IRCIG Mentor Program are to:
- Be a first point of contact for all new Research Coordinators
- Introduce new Research Coordinators to the IRCIG
- Form a communication link between the IRCIG and Research Coordinators
- Be a resource available to Research Coordinators
- Direct Research Coordinators to other appropriate resources
- Offer peer support to Research Coordinators
Mentor Program Representatives
Each of the Research Coordinators within the Mentor Program represents a geographical location within Australia and New Zealand. All Representatives are experienced Research Coordinators who have volunteered for these roles.
IRCIG Mentor Program
To facilitate the aims of the IRCIG, the IRCIG email list is a vehicle that may be accessed by its members for opinion, discussion and circulation of research related issues and proposed study protocols.
The IRCIG email list is a closed list. Any individual wishing to apply for admission to the IRCIG email list must be nominated to the list by a current member in order to verify their status as a current intensive care Research Coordinator working within Australia and New Zealand.
How to subscribe to the list
Please send the completed IRCIG Application form to the Email List Moderators (Stephanie Menadue, Western Health, Vic) for further information.
How to unsubscribe from the list
If you no longer wish to be on the list or if you no longer fulfil the criteria for IRCIG membership, please send an email to the Joint Email List Moderators requesting to be removed from the list.
· Research Coordinator Executive Summary
This document may be used to support a request for sustainable funding for the employment of a Research Coordinator (RC) within an ICU environment. The document highlights the track record of Intensive Care Research and the tangible benefits that research has brought to hospitals in Australia, NZ. and across the World.This information can then be used to support an application for RC funding.
For a more detailed version of the document (the RC Business Case) please contact the ANZICS Office.
Download the Research Coordinator Executive Summary
· A Tool for the Research Coordinator to Assist in the Conduct of a Study
Download this run sheet as a guide for listing out the specific steps required by the RC in your ICU to effectively and safely operationalise a study .
· IRCIG Budget Information and Tool
Download a word document that faciltates review of a proposed study budget
Mock Site Budget
Download an excel spreadsheet which helps to calculate a proposed site budget
· IRCIG Pandemic Research Coordinator Guide
For more information see the IRCIG Pandemic Research Coordinator Guide webpage
Disclaimer
Documents included on this webpage are provided as a helpful tool only. These documents provide access to a common financial ‘language’ for clinical trial costing and may help you to identify where costs lie. These are in-house documents that are intended to help you streamline your processes.
If you use these documents for any purpose whatsoever you do so at your own risk. ANZICS does not warrant the correctness, accuracy or appropriateness of the documents for any purpose. By downloading any document from this site, you acknowledge and agree to the above.
IRCIG Pandemic Research Coordinator Guide
The IRCIG executive group have developed the IRCIG Pandemic Research Coordinator Guide.
Many Research Coordinators are working exceptionally hard to contingency plan for the current COVID-19 pandemic. There is much uncertainty as to the full impact this pandemic will have on research programs and there may be pressure for ICU Research Coordinators with clinical ICU experience to assist clinically in the ICU as the pandemic surge escalates. It is hoped that this document will assist you in discussions and planning at your respective sites.
Disclaimer
Documents included on this webpage are provided as a helpful tool only. These documents provide access to a common financial ‘language’ for clinical trial costing and may help you to identify where costs lie. These are in-house documents that are intended to help you streamline your processes.
If you use these documents for any purpose whatsoever you do so at your own risk. ANZICS does not warrant the correctness, accuracy or appropriateness of the documents for any purpose. By downloading any document from this site, you acknowledge and agree to the above.