Improving postoperative care to prevent deaths after surgery
'5 Rs to Rescue' A Cluster Trial With an Embedded Process Evaluation
This study is testing a new approach to improve care after surgery to see if it can help prevent deaths from complications in patients in Ethiopia, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 6000 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 100 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Cape Town Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Cape Town, Western Cape) |
| Trial ID | NCT06997328 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to address the issue of 'failure to rescue', which refers to preventable deaths following surgery due to complications that are not timely identified and treated. The study will implement a quality improvement intervention known as the '5 Rs to Rescue' across 20 centers in Ethiopia, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda. This intervention focuses on enhancing patient management through risk assessment and improved monitoring of vital signs post-surgery. By evaluating the effectiveness of this intervention, the study seeks to increase the surveillance of at-risk patients and ultimately reduce postoperative mortality in resource-limited settings.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are patients aged 18 years and older undergoing any type of surgery who will receive postoperative care in participating wards.
Not a fit: Patients who are receiving end-of-life care or choose to opt out of the trial will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce postoperative mortality rates in African hospitals.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have highlighted the importance of early warning systems in preventing postoperative complications, suggesting that this approach could be effective, although the specific '5 Rs to Rescue' intervention is novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients aged 18 years and older undergoing any surgery, who receive postoperative care on a participating ward Exclusion Criteria: * Patients who opt out of trial participation. * Patients receiving end of life care.
Where this trial is running
Cape Town, Western Cape
- Groote Schuur Hospital — Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Bruce Biccard, MBChB; PhD — Uct
- Study coordinator: Margot Flint, PhD
- Email: margot.flint@uct.ac.za
- Phone: +27721222111
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.