A research trial set to revolutionise clinical decisions by surgical research teams and potentially contribute to significant cost savings and environmental benefits to the health system has now been awarded a major funding boost. 

HMRI and University of Newcastle clinical researchers, part of HMRI’s Surgical and Perioperative Care Research Program (SPCRP), have received a $350,174 Ramsay Translational Challenge Grant for the IMPOSTERS trial at Lake Macquarie Private Hospital.

The grant will fund a research nurse to help investigate whether intermittent pneumatic compression devices, such as compression stockings, should be the standard therapy for the prevention of venous thrombo-embolic (VTE, commonly known as blood clots) events.

The NSW multi-centred, prospective, randomised control trial (RCT) which will involve more than 4000 participants, will target patients undergoing major surgery and are admitted to hospital beyond 24 hours.

As it is known, VTE poses a significant post-operative morbidity risk, especially following major surgery.
The current strategies to mitigate this risk involve chemical prophylaxis, such as low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), and mechanical prophylaxis, including graduated compression stockings (GCS) and intermittent pneumatic compression devices (IPCDs).

Currently, most surgeons are adopting all three of these options to be safe following surgery but there is no evidence to support it is needed.

The IMPOSTERS trial will help to better define clinical decisions by surgical teams into the future and advance patient well-being, healthcare efficiency and environmental sustainability.

Chief Investigator Professor Stephen Smith said this could lead to the removal of compression devices post-major surgery, benefiting patients in a myriad of ways.

“Reduced pain and discomfort, improved sleep, and fewer complications promise a higher quality of life,” he said.

“Beyond enhancing patient experience, nursing workload will decrease allowing for focused care on critical priorities, costs to the health system can be minimised and it can have a positive environmental impact if single-use compression devices are eliminated.

“However, if compression devices are found to be effective, the evidence can then be used to update clinical guidelines and deliver the highest quality of care to all patients undergoing major surgery,” said Professor Smith.

Currently the trial has recruited 560 patients at Newcastle’s John Hunter and Calvary Mater Hospitals. It has already received almost $500,000 from NSW Health’s TRGS (Translational Research Grant Scheme) in February 2024 to recruit at John Hunter, Calvary Mater, Gosford, Port Macquarie, and Tamworth Hospitals.