ANZCTR search results

This study was terminated in July 2011 due to feasibility reasons. Although ethics approval had been obtained, recruitment of participants never commenced.

No studies have been conducted to assess the most appropriate time interval for aspirating gastric tubes. We compared gastric tube aspirations every four hours (usual care) to a variable regimen (up to every eight hours aspirations). This randomized controlled trial (RCT) enrolled patients who stayed in ICU > 48 hours, had a gastric tube, and were likely to receive EN for 3+ days. Patients were randomized (computer-generated randomization) to either control (every four hours) or intervention group (variable regimen). The primary outcome was number of gastric tube aspirations per day from randomization until EN was ceased or up to two weeks post-randomization. Following Institutional Ethics Committee approval, 357 patients were recruited (control group n=179 and intervention group n=178). No differences were found in age, sex, worst APACHE II score or time to start of EN. In the intention to treat analysis, the intervention group had fewer tube aspirations per day (3.4 versus 5.4 in the control group, p<0.001). Vomiting/regurgitation was increased in the intervention group (2.1% versus 3.6%, p=0.02). There were no other differences in complications. This is the first RCT to examine the frequency of gastric tube aspirations. The frequency of gastric tube aspirations was reduced in the variable regimen group with no increase in risk to the patient. Reducing frequency of aspirations saves nursing time, decreases risk of contamination of feeding circuit and minimises risk of body fluid exposure.

Our previous research into Internet based treatment programs have been shown to be effective (e.g the Worry Program for the treatment of generalised anxiety disorder (ACTRN12609000563268). These programs informed the creation of a program for treating GAD, and/or social phobia, and/or panic disorder (the Anxiety Program). Our preliminary research indicated tenative support that the Anxiety Program (ACTRN12609000501246) was effective at helping people to learn to manage their symptoms of anxiety. The study described here aims to find out whether therapist support is required for people to successfully complete the Anxiety Program. We expect that people completing the Anxiety Program without therapist support will still benefit, but not as much as those receiving the usual levels of therapist support.

Participants will be approximately 36 young people, aged 15-24, who are being discharged from EPPIC. EPPIC is a government funded public mental health service serving North West Metropolitan Melbourne. All participants will be recruited through the service.

This study examines if reminiscing about past mastery experiences results in reduced hopelessness, improved mood and increased self-efficacy in older adults.

The aim of this project is to evaluate the effectiveness of corticosteroid injection versus normal saline (placebo) for treatment of chronic pain beneath the heel (plantar fasciitis).

The purpose of this pilot randomised controlled trial is to establish the fundamental elements (feasibility, adequacy of blinding, pharmacodynamic effect and separation of endpoints) required to proceed with a large multi-centre randomised controlled trial of beta-lactam antibiotics delivered by continuous infusion compared to standard bolus dosing in critically ill patients. We hypothesise that continuous infusion will more consistently achieve pharmacodynamic endpoints than standard bolus dosing, resulting in improved clinical outcomes.

The purpose of this audit is to assess the incidence of nausea, vomiting and pain in children undergoing repositioning of their fractures arm/arms, lower legs in the immediate postoperative period before discharge home.

The aim of this study is to identify the types of complications, concerns and outcomes experienced by children who have had either adenotonsillectomy or tonsillectomy, at the three and seven day point following the procedure. Based on analysis of this data the recommended care and support for this group of patients after discharge may be modified to improve patient outcomes.

the purpose of this study is to characterize the modification induced by lignocaine on the incidence of intraoperative and postoperative respiratory complications in children undergoing laryngo tracheo bronchoscopies.