Lyell McEwin Hospital participates in international anaemia study

08 September 2021

In July NALHN’s Surgical Sub-specialities and Anaesthesia Division participated in a multi-site, collaborative research study which seeks to understand how anaemia is being managed in preoperative and postoperative patients across Australia, and to assess the impact of anaemia management in clinical care following major surgery.

The POST operative Variability in anaemia Treatment and Transfusion (POSTVenTT) study was established as a multi-site, collaborative study with data collected prospectively across Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and several European countries from Thursday, 1 July to Wednesday, 28 July.

“This is the first time that the Northern Adelaide Local Health Network (NALHN) from a surgical point of view has participated in such a large multi-site study,” said Dr Ganguly, Chief Surgical Resident and Colorectal Research Fellow. “We were interested in the study as we have a significant number of patients who come to hospital in an anaemic state, particularly cancer patients, the findings of this research will allow us to provide anaemic patients with greater care.”

Over 2,500 patients participated in the study, with Lyell McEwin Hospital capturing the third most data of any site world-wide, with 100 patients.

Results will provide a snapshot of how Australia is managing anaemia compared to other countries involved in the study, which will inform Australia’s Patient Blood Management Guidelines in the future.

“We know managing anaemia properly has a big impact for patients,” said Dr Ganguly. “They will receive the best care before their operation, appropriate management if they suffer anaemia as a result of their operation, and it ensures a faster, safer recovery with fewer complications.”

Sixteen of the 19 doctors supporting the trial were junior doctors, so the study also provided a learning opportunity for those who previously had little experience in research.

NALHN POSTVenTT study - Resident Medical Officer Harleen is pictured with Dr Murphy and Dr Ganguly

Pictured: The study provided a learning opportunity for 16 junior doctors who previously had minimal experience in research, such as Resident Medical Officer Harleen (centre) who is pictured with Dr Murphy (left) and Dr Ganguly (right).

In early 2021 NALHN established the role of Colorectal Research Fellow, providing a dedicated senior resource to oversee large trials providing medical, and other nursing and allied health staff with increased exposure to research across the division

Since Dr Ganguly commenced the role of Colorectal Research Fellow, he has worked with Dr Murphy, Head of Colorectal Unit, to fast track 22 colorectal research projects which are all currently underway.

“The role of Colorectal Research Fellow enables NALHN to contribute to national studies and develop our home-grown local studies as we have a dedicated resource to drive research, oversee ethics and governance approvals, liaise with statisticians and prepare the study for publication,” said Dr Ganguly.

“Research at NALHN has grown significantly over the past few years, and roles like mine will assist NALHN to continue to apply for future grant funding to support research.”

Data from the POSTVenTT study will be analysed and written up for publication in the next three to six months. Learn more about the POSTVenTT study.