ARC Medical Research Policy Definitions

The following definitions have been developed to accompany the ARC Medical Research Policy.

Disease

Any deviation or interruption of the normal structure or function of any part, organ or system (or combination thereof) of the body that is manifested by a characteristic set of symptoms and signs and whose aetiology, pathology and prognosis may be known or unknown.

Human health conditions

Pertaining to diseases (as defined above), syndromes, pathological conditions, injuries, signs, symptoms, problems and/or conditions that generally lead to contact with, or utilisation of, health services.

Interventions

Includes interventions designed to understand and/or change human health conditions, such as:

clinical or pre-clinical trials in human participants
the collection and/or use of body organs, tissues or fluids e.g. skin, blood, urine, saliva, hair, bones, tumour and other biopsy specimens or exhaled breath
behavioural interventions; or
dietary interventions.

Medical research

For the purposes of the ARC Medical Research Policy, medical research also includes dental research.

Therapeutic Goods

As defined in Section 3 of the Therapeutic Goods Administration Act 1989, or any successor legislation.