ANZCTR search results

There has been limited uptake of population screening for colorectal cancer in Australia and other western countries, using faecal occult blood testing. We have previously determined that the InSure faecal immunochemical test (FIT) used in single sample format has similar sensitivity for significant colorectal neoplasia (cancer and significant adenomas) relative to the standard two stool sample test. Our hypothesis is that single stool sampling will result in improved population participation in screening compared to the standard InSure test. This study will compare population participation in screening in two groups, one offered the screening test in single stool sample format, compared to the control (standard InSure test, 2 stool sample format).

First study in a series of three pilot clinical trials. Three way comparison of the effects of 2 manual therapies adjunctive to usual care with usual care alone on health-related quality of life in people with osteoarthritis. Study is complete. Trial registration is required in order to publish a report of the trial in a journal.

On arrival to the anaesthetic room patients will have non-invasive monitoring established and a venous access line placed under local anaesthesia prior to induction of general anaesthesia. Following pre-oxygenation of the patient, induction of anaesthesia will be carried out by the anaesthetist in charge of the case. Intravenous fentanyl (2mcg.kg-1), followed by an induction dose of propofol (1-3mg.kg-1) will be given. The patients allocated to the IPPV group will be given intravenous rocuronium (0.6mg.kg-1). Once an adequate depth of anaesthesia has been reached a ProSeal laryngeal mask airway (PLMA) will be inserted as per the manufactures recommended technique. Anaesthesia will be maintained on 2% sevoflurane in 0.5 litre.min-1 oxygen and 1 litre.min-1 nitrous oxide for both spontaneous breathing and intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IPPV) patients. Intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IPPV) will be delivered with a tidal volume of 10ml.kg-1 and a respiratory rate of 8-14 breaths per minute. A Zinetics 24ME multi-use pH catheter with external reference electrode will then be advanced through the drainage port of the ProSeal laryngeal mask airway (PLMA). The electrode will be advanced into the stomach which will be confirmed by pH levels of less the 3. It will then be slowly withdrawn to the gastro-oesophageal junction, the site being indicated by an abrupt increase in the pH recorded to levels above 5. It will then be withdrawn a further 4-5cm to be positioned at the mid-oesophagus. At the completion of the case the patient will be woken and the pH catheter and ProSeal laryngeal mask airway (PLMA) removed. The investigator will be blinded to all pH measurements following the insertion of the catheter. The recording will be subsequently transferred to a computer to be analysed with Polygram 98 Diagnostic Workstation software by an investigator blinded to the anaesthetic technique.

Third study in a series of three pilot clinical trials. Four way comparison of the effects of manual therapy (joint mobilisation), water exercise, and both interventions adjunctive to usual care with usual care alone on health-related quality of life in people with osteoarthritis. Study is complete. Trial registration is required in order to publish a report of the trial in a journal.

A prospective randomised controlled trial to assess the potential benefits and acute complication rates of ultrasound guided CVC insertion with traditional anatomical landmark insertion technique

This research is being conducted in an effort to understand how improvements in sleep may affect factors related to pain and mood. There are three components to this research project, a group Cognitive Behavioural Therapy program, a Sleep Hygiene program, where participants are provided with reading material on how they can improve their sleep, and a wait list. The wait list is an important part of the study because it will provide information about how sleep patterns change over time. This study has two main hypotheses. The first is that the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy program will lead to greater improvements in sleep quality and quantity than the sleep hygiene program and the second is that improved sleep quantity and/or quality will increase individuals’ ability to cope with or manage pain.

Households are selected at random from the New South Wales Electronic White Pages. Each household is contacted by telephone to establish if there is an adult daily smoker resident. If more then one daily smoker lives in the household one smoker is selected at random. Consenting smokers are randomly allocated to receive either proactive telephone counselling calls or a one-off mail-out of written self-help materials. The assessor (ie, telephone interviewer) is unaware of group assignment as computer software allocates participants to conditions. Participants complete telephone interviews at 4, 7 and 13 months post-recruitment to examine quitting behaviours. It is hypothesised that compared to the written self-help group, significantly more participants in the telephone counselling group will have quit smoking at 4, 7 and 13 months post-recruitment.

It is proposed to test the refinement and dissemination of the C-CARE model of psychosocial assessment more broadly across the tumour streams at Peter Mac in the first instance and then to further refine the model in the Western and Central ICS (W&CICS) and in two Regional Integrated Cancer Services. The impetus for this project is two fold: the publication of the NHMRC Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Psychosocial Care of Adults with Cancer (NBCC & NCCI 2003) and the prioritization of psychosocial assessment within the Victorian Cancer Services Improvement Program. Funding for this project has been provided by the Department of Human Services.

With a clinically suspected scaphoid fracture, initial x-rays are unreliable. Current local practice is immobilization in plaster for 10 days with repeat x-rays, in order to not miss fractures. In retrospect, up to 90% of patients do not need the plaster. Advanced imaging (early MRI and Day 4 Bone scans) are proven as an alternate best practice, but are expensive and difficult to access, and thus not often used. A research project at BHS has demonstrated that early CT scans are a reliable, accessible, cost effective alternative. Our aim is to confirm the use of early CT and to implement early CT scans into a “best practice” clinical pathway for suspected scaphoid fractures.

To assess the role and effectiveness of the family meeting in the spiritual care of palliative patients and their families. The study looks at spirituality and spiritual care in a very broad way. This includes such things as attitude to life, reviewing life, bringing closure to things that have happened, foregiveness of self and others, having hope, finding meaning and purpose in the things that have happened in your life. For some people it will also include religious practices and beliefs.