From data to distance: Geospatial insights into equity of access to clinical trials at Grampians Health.

Abstract

Background/aim: Equitable access to clinical trials remains a persistent challenge in regional and rural Australia, where geographic isolation and socio-economic disparities can limit participation. This project aims to apply geospatial mapping techniques to visualise the geographic distribution of clinical trial participants enrolled at Grampians Health (GH) during a five-year period. Understanding where trial participants come from - and where they don’t - is critical for improving outreach and delivering equitable health care. Population/setting: Clinical trial participants at Grampians Health. Methods: Clinical trial recruitment logs from 2020-2024 - were used to extract over 1400 participant UR numbers and enrolment dates. Residential addresses at the time of enrolment were geocoded and analysed using Geographic Information System (GIS) tools. Data were aggregated at suburb/postcode and SA1 levels, incorporating Modified Monash Model (MMM) classifications and SEIFA indices from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Static thematic maps were generated to display participant distribution by trial type (oncology/haematology and non-oncology), rurality, and socio-economic status. For Phase I oncology participants, road network-based travel time and distance to Ballarat Base Hospital were computed. Results/findings: Geospatial mapping provided a powerful and intuitive way to visualise the distribution of clinical trial participants across the Grampians Health catchment. Thematic maps highlighted location, rurality, and socio-economic status, offering insights not easily extracted from tabulated data. These visualisations enabled clearer communication of complex data to a broad range of stakeholders, including clinicians, administrators, and community members. They also supported the identification of service gaps and areas with limited trial access, informing future planning and outreach. Conclusion: Nearly completed. Translational impact/implications for future practice: Mapping clinical trial participant data offers valuable insights into equity of access and service reach. This visual approach transforms complex datasets into accessible formats for internal planning and external engagement. GIS-based visualisation is a powerful tool for guiding strategic decisions and enhancing community awareness of clinical research activity at GH.