A groundbreaking research initiative poised to transform clinical decision-making by surgical teams and potentially yield substantial cost savings and environmental benefits for the healthcare system has secured significant funding support.
Clinical researchers from HMRI and the University of Newcastle, affiliated with HMRI’s Surgical and Perioperative Care Research Program (SPCRP), have been awarded a $350,174 Ramsay Translational Challenge Grant for the IMPOSTERS trial at Lake Macquarie Private Hospital.
The grant will finance a research nurse to investigate whether intermittent pneumatic compression devices (IPCDs), such as compression stockings, should become the standard therapy for preventing venous thrombo-embolic (VTE) events.
The NSW-wide, prospective, randomized controlled trial (RCT) aims to enroll over 4000 participants undergoing major surgery and hospitalized beyond 24 hours. VTE poses a significant risk of morbidity post-operatively, particularly following major surgery.
Current strategies to mitigate this risk involve chemical prophylaxis like low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) and mechanical prophylaxis such as graduated compression stockings (GCS) and IPCDs. However, the necessity of using all three options remains unsubstantiated.
The IMPOSTERS trial seeks to clarify surgical teams’ clinical decisions, potentially advancing patient well-being, healthcare efficiency, and environmental sustainability. According to Chief Investigator Professor Stephen Smith, if IPCDs prove effective, this could lead to eliminating compression devices post-major surgery, benefiting patients with reduced pain, discomfort, improved sleep, and fewer complications.
Moreover, removing single-use compression devices could decrease nursing workload, redirecting attention to critical care priorities, minimizing health system costs, and positively impacting the environment.
The ongoing trial has already enrolled 560 patients at Newcastle’s John Hunter and Calvary Mater Hospitals. It received nearly $500,000 from NSW Health’s Translational Research Grant Scheme (TRGS) in February 2024 to expand recruitment to Gosford, Port Macquarie, and Tamworth Hospitals, indicating robust support and momentum behind its objectives.
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