Surgical Intervention Trials Unit
About us
The Surgical Intervention Trials Unit (SITU) consists of a team of academics, investigators, surgeons, clinicians, portfolio managers, trial co-ordinators, data managers and administration personnel which act as a training and development hub for those interested in evaluating surgical intervention both in the UK and abroad. Our directors are Professor Freddie Hamdy, Professor of Surgery & Urology and Professor David Beard, Professor of Musculoskeletal and Surgical Science.
We are a partnership between The Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS) and the Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences (NDS).
Working as part of the Oxford Clinical Trials Research Unit (OCTRU – Directed by Professor Duncan Richards) we are a centre of excellence for the design and management of surgical trials, welcoming surgical trial proposals and ideas which aim to answer important questions about the safety and efficacy of surgery in the UK and worldwide
SITU'S STRATEGIC AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
- To work with and encourage researchers in the design of randomised clinical trials using novel approaches for evaluating surgical interventions
- To provide trials unit support in the coordination, management and delivery of innovative trials for researchers with surgical interest in all specialties
- To operate to high standards of quality and performance, reflected in the quality of published research
- To support translational research by the development of pilot studies evaluating new technology or interventions leading to randomised phase III/IV clinical trials
- To provide expertise, training and development to researchers involved in surgical clinical trials
- To provide guidance and support to surgical specialist researchers to develop and conduct clinical trials in their area of expertise, ensuring trials are conducted to ICH GCP and relevant legal and regulatory standards