Clinical research: Monaldi Hospital wins Roche grant with an ophthalmology project

Monaldi Hospital in Naples has earned a significant recognition in the field of clinical research, winning the "Roche for Clinical Research – Supporting Data Managers and Research Nurses" call for proposals. The winning project was an ophthalmology project submitted by the Ophthalmology Department and nominated by Dr. Flavia Chiosi. The project was evaluated and selected by the Gimbe Foundation, an independent body guaranteeing transparency and impartiality.

Monaldi's success is part of a context where clinical research requires increasingly specialized skills. Alongside traditional roles, key roles such as data managers and research nurses are emerging, crucial for coordinating studies, ensuring the quality of data collected, and ensuring the safety of patients involved in trials. To support these professionals, Roche launched a call for proposals that, since its inception, has invested over €1.5 million, funding dozens of dedicated scholarships.

The award-winning project, called RoadMap, received €30 in funding and focuses on improving the organization and care delivery of diabetic macular edema (DME) diagnosis and treatment. The goal is to speed up and streamline the treatment process for patients with diabetic macular edema, one of the most serious complications of diabetes, which can seriously compromise vision.

Through reorganizing visits, more rational use of resources, and careful monitoring of clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction, the project aims to reduce waiting times for diagnosis and the initiation of intravitreal therapies. This concrete step forward not only strengthens Monaldi's role as a center of excellence in research, but also offers new treatment options and a better quality of life for patients.