Adding Grampians Health to an existing research project
This page provides an overview of the steps you need to take to add Grampians Health as a site to an externally-driven research project. Each step includes links to further information.
Bookmark this page! However, please always feel free to contact us to discuss your plans specifically.
Step 1
Visualising how the project will occur at GH – setting up for success
Team-building, getting support, thinking about what’s needed – click here - for more information about first what to do first when you want Grampians Health to be a site in an externally-driven research project.
Step 2
Ethics – getting the tick from HREC
The external team leading the project will either have already obtained HREC approval, or they’ll be in the process of obtaining that approval. In almost all cases this should be an NHMRC-certified HREC hosted by a health service (not a university). You will need a copy of the HREC approval letter when it’s available, along with the associated documents!
Keep in mind that if you have the HREC approval paperwork, you will then not need to undergo local ethics review by the GH SJOG HREC – you only need Governance review/authorisation at GH (see next step).
Step 3
Governance – getting GH permission to do research here!
This is the main piece of work you’ll need to do when getting permission to joining someone else’s research project - click here - for step-by-step information about what you need to do at this stage.
As per Step 2, keep in mind this governance step does not involve ethics review by the GH SJOG HREC. The HREC approval details (obtained in Step 2) will be proof that the project meets ethical standards. Governance is about GH permission, contracts, insurance, indemnity, etc.
Step 4
Doing the research – how to maintain your approvals
Reporting: to maintain your approvals, you need to adhere to reporting requirements for the life of your project - click here - for more information.
Amendments: many projects will require changes as you go - click here - for more information about how to make these changes.
Monitoring: note that REGO routinely audits research projects to ensure they’re being conducted in line with their approvals – this is not a ‘policing’ process, but a matter of quality control and learning.
Don't forget!
We are here to help
This is not a step, but a reminder that we’re keen to help however we can, at all stages of your research endeavours. Our aim is to help you make the research happen as smoothly as possible, so you’ll be keen to do even more research at Grampians Health.
Always feel free to contact us.