UGMC Research Director urges stronger clinical trials to bridge gap between research and patient care

Prof Charles Hayfron-Benjamin, Director of the Medical and Scientific Research Centre at the University of Ghana Medical Centre, has called for stronger clinical trials to bridge the gap between research and patient care. Ghana possesses world-class scientists capable of generating high-quality research, but the need exists for improved systems, policies, and partnerships to transform laboratory findings into practical healthcare solutions.

On the sidelines of the UGMC Research Symposium, Prof Hayfron-Benjamin emphasized that UGMC functions as an academic medical centre, combining healthcare delivery with research to generate new evidence that can improve patient outcomes. The symposium, themed "From Bench to Bedside: Integrating Research, Technology, and Clinical Care in Ghana," aims to strengthen the connection between scientific research and clinical care.

The "bench" refers to the laboratory, while the "bedside" represents the clinical environment where patients receive care. Translating research into patient care is a gradual process that involves rigorous testing, including randomised controlled trials to validate scientific findings. The symposium provides a platform for researchers to share their work on various aspects of translating discoveries from the laboratory to clinical care.

Prof Hayfron-Benjamin noted that the upcoming symposium will place greater emphasis on clinical trials, which are crucial as they enable researchers to test potential interventions by comparing different care approaches and assessing their effectiveness. Strengthening clinical-trial activity is particularly important for Ghana and the wider region due to the limited frequency of such research.

While government support for UGMC is crucial, both financial assistance and the establishment of systems to facilitate the movement of research findings into practical healthcare applications are necessary. Prof Hayfron-Benjamin emphasized the importance of Ghanaian scientists being intentional about the research questions they address and the potential impact of their findings on population health.

He urged researchers to consider whether their results could address real problems faced by the population and contribute to improving lives.