ANZCTR search results

Comfort rooms are specialised rooms, often within an inpatient psychiatric unit, which have a range of comforting materials and resources in them to assist an individual who is distressed to relax and perform “self-soothing” routines (e.g., relaxation exercises, self-massage, use of weighted blankets / comfort wraps) Previous investigations have demonstrated the utility of comfort rooms in reducing levels of distress in clients and also in reducing the use of seclusion and restraint. The aim of this project is to evaluate the effectiveness of the introduction of a comfort room into and acute inpatient mental health unit. Outcomes will be measured by a number of indicators: (1) rate of utilisation of the comfort room; (2) average length of time individuals remain in the comfort room; (3) behaviours observed before and after use of the comfort room; (4) what resources were used by the individual whilst in the comfort room; and (5) rates of seclusion before and after the introduction of the comfort room. Additionally, clients will be asked to report their subjective level of distress before and after using the room. This will be done by way of two simple questions asked by a member of nursing staff following the client leaving the comfort room: “Before you went into the comfort room, how distressed were you feeling on a scale of 1 to 10” and “Now, how distressed are you feeling, on a scale of 1 to 10”. Asking clients to rate their level of distress prior to using the comfort room is considered inappropriate, as any such delay in accessing the comfort room is not in keeping with the philosophy of quick and early access to the comfort room to promote best self-management of distress. It is hypothesised that the introduction of the comfort room will reduce distress experienced by clients by providing a comfortable environment and resources to self-sooth and de-stress. This hypothesis will be tested in the following ways: (1) Does the use of the comfort room reduce the level of self-reported distress experienced by clients? (2) Are fewer disruptive / disturbed behaviours noted in clients following the use of the comfort room? (3) Do rates of seclusion reduce following the introduction of the comfort room? The potential significance of this study is large. Similar projects are readily implementable (with limited capital outlay) in a range of settings across Australia and the results of this study have the potential to inform and change clinical practice in inpatient psychiatric units, leading to better outcomes for a large number of individuals across Australia. The results of this study will also add to the developing knowledge base around interventions designed to reduce the use of seclusion in Australian psychiatric inpatient units.

This is a trial aiming to assess how effective a drug called clonidine is in sedating children in intensive care. Children are normally kept asleep with morphine and midazolam, both sedative drugs with side effects like tolerance and withdrawl. Clonidine acts as a sparing agent, reducing the need for these drugs, and reducing the chance of side effects. This trial aims to show that by using clonidine, we allow a significant reduction in use of morphine and midazolam, and therefore a reduction in side effects. By showing this, we aim to encorporate Clonidine into normal sedation practice, improving our safe practice.

The purpose of this study is to determine whether or not the reduction of Atrial Fibrillation (AF) by the AF Suppression algorithm halts or reverses the electrical remodeling that has already begun in AF Patients

The planned study targets patients with end stage kidney disease who choose peritoneal dialysis for maintenance therapy. Current practice at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital is to wait four weeks after a Teckhoff catheter is placed before starting peritoneal dialysis . The literature lacks evidence of the optimal interval between peritoneal catheter insertion and start up of dialysis. Consequently practice varies. They too support delayed use but do not test different delay intervals and can not tell us the optimal time. A few recent studies reported a very low leak incidence after using catheter 1 week post insertion , attributed to a tight catheter securing. Any delay in starting PD results in temporary haemodialysis in patients who require immediate dailysis. Temporary haemodialysis requires a central venous access with attendant risk of complications. Temporary haemodialysis is more expensive than peritoneal dialysis . Therefore guidelines bodies, such as CARI (Caring for Australasians with Renal Impairment,), European Dialysis and Transplant Association-European Renal Association and International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis suggest a two week delay. They can can only publish suggestions based on the weak body of evidence, or lack thereof. CARI suggests randomised control trial as there is insufficient evidence for this to be a “guideline’’. The primary objective of this study is to determine the safest and shortest time interval between surgical placement of a Tenckhoff catheter and starting dialysis. The hypothesis is that there is no difference in complication rates between one, two and four week time intervals. If equivalence is proven between one, two and four week time intervals, we could justifiably change practice. Benefits for future patients include shorter exposure to haemodialysis treatments and their complications and shorter duration of haemodialysis catheter placement and its complications. If the results show more complications in the one or two week time interval groups, then we would encourage re-visiting the guidelines. catheter placement and its complications.

The purpose of the study is to examine if access and provision of early Speech Pathology intervention for ventilated tracheostomy patients in intensive care improves their time to communicate verbally, increases their quality of life and satisfaction and is safe.

To follow a patient’s journey via interviews through the hospital system from presentation to ED through to discharge from the hospital service where RITH has been involved in the patient’s rehabilitation. This will provide the RITH team with: an understanding of exactly where patient and carer experience can be improved; 'mobilising narratives' that will help inspire RITH to improve the service they provide; a teaching tool to provide to referrers regarding the benefits of hospital substitution and choosing the right patient cohort.

Study hypothesis is that mesenchymal cells are safe and will be effective in treating steroid refractory graft versus host disease. Trial subjects will receive 2 X 10 E6/kg mesenchymal cells weekly for 2 weeks, are then reassessed weekly. If inadequate response may receive two further doses at weekly intervals. May be retreated if they subsequently relapse

The study is designed to examine the hypothesis that increasing the level of specific immunity to the proteins of hepatitis C virus will result in a reduction in the viral load and/or clearance of the virus.

The objective of the study is to determine how effective imiquimod cream is in curing lentigo maligna and whether it is a possible replacement for surgical excison as the primary treatment.

The primary objective is to determine whether or not a rehabilitation physician appointment can help with return to work (full or suitable duties) and usual activities after a motor vehicle accident..