Current Trials
AFGHAN HEALTH SURVEY
The Afghan Health Survey is a descriptive study designed to identify the healthcare needs of Afghan refugee immigrants in New Zealand. The survey aims to understand both the common health challenges faced by this community and how they have interacted with the New Zealand healthcare system. By collecting this information, the survey seeks to paint a clear picture of the specific health needs and barriers Afghan refugees face when accessing care.
The primary goals of the survey are twofold: first, to identify the healthcare needs of Afghan refugees, and second, to explore how they have accessed and engaged with healthcare services in New Zealand. The findings will provide insight into the specific health conditions that may require focused attention and resources, while also detailing the refugees’ experiences navigating the healthcare system. This information will help ensure that healthcare services are more responsive to the needs of Afghan immigrants.
By highlighting both the healthcare needs and delivery experiences of Afghan refugees, the survey will inform future initiatives aimed at improving healthcare accessibility and quality for this community. The results will guide future research, policy development, and the allocation of resources to areas of greatest need, ensuring that the healthcare system can better support the health and wellbeing of Afghan refugees in New Zealand.
AIRVO ACUTE NIV
The AIRVO Acute NIV study compares two non-invasive ventilator (NIV) devices that help patients with respiratory failure improve their breathing. The AIRVO3-NIV is a new device, and it will be tested alongside the Phillips V60 NIV device. The study involves participants who are recovering at Wellington Hospital after experiencing respiratory failure, which was treated with NIV.
During the study, each participant will receive 30 minutes of NIV using one of the devices, followed by a 30-minute break. Then, they will receive 30 minutes of NIV with the other device. Throughout the study, carbon dioxide levels will be measured using a sensor on the participant's earlobe. These measurements will help determine if the two devices are equally effective at improving breathing.
By comparing the two NIV devices in terms of their impact on carbon dioxide levels, the study aims to find out if the new AIRVO3-NIV device performs as well as the established Phillips V60, potentially offering a new option for patients requiring respiratory support.
ARISE FLUIDS
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition where the body’s response to an infection harms its own tissues and organs. Septic shock, a severe form of sepsis, is characterised by dangerously low blood pressure that reduces blood flow to vital organs. It is a medical emergency that requires rapid treatment to restore blood flow and control the infection. The current standard treatment for septic shock involves giving large amounts of intravenous (IV) fluids through a drip to raise blood pressure.
However, international guidelines recommend administering 20-30 ml/kg of IV fluids (around 2-3 litres for an average adult) within the first three hours of treatment. If this doesn’t help, medications called vasopressors are used to raise blood pressure. The ARISE Fluids trial is testing whether a smaller amount of initial IV fluid combined with earlier use of vasopressors leads to better outcomes than the standard approach of giving more fluids and waiting longer before starting vasopressor medication.
Patients with suspected septic shock arriving at the emergency department will be randomly assigned to receive one of these two treatment methods. The main goal of the study is to determine which approach results in better survival, as measured by the number of days patients survive outside of hospital 90 days after entering the trial. This outcome has been chosen based on feedback from patients and is considered a key indicator of survival and quality of life.
ASTHMA GUIDELINES IMPLEMENTATION
This project is focused on assessing how New Zealand’s asthma guidelines have been implemented in everyday healthcare practice. The current phase of the work includes an analysis of changes in the prescribing of asthma inhalers in a large Primary Health Organisation (PHO) from 2018 to 2024.
Future plans for the project involve conducting an audit of general practice (GP) clinics to gain further insight into why certain changes in asthma prescribing have or have not taken place. By exploring these factors, the project aims to identify the barriers that exist in translating research findings into routine clinical practice.
Ultimately, the goal is to develop strategies that will help improve the implementation of evidence-based asthma treatments in healthcare settings, ensuring that the latest research leads to better care for patients across New Zealand.
CLIP-II
The CLIP-II study is a Phase III, multi-centre, blinded, randomised controlled trial that aims to compare the effectiveness of cryopreserved platelets versus conventional liquid-stored platelets in managing post-operative bleeding in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The study will evaluate whether cryopreserved platelets, which are stored frozen, are as effective as conventional platelets, which are stored in liquid form, for helping patients recover from surgery by reducing bleeding risks.
Patients who are scheduled for cardiac surgery will provide consent before the procedure and will then be randomly assigned to one of two groups: one group will receive conventional liquid-stored platelets, and the other will receive cryopreserved platelets once a platelet transfusion is required. This randomisation ensures that the comparison between the two platelet types is unbiased and scientifically robust.
The goal of the CLIP-II trial is to determine whether cryopreserved platelets can be a viable alternative to conventional platelets, with the potential to improve patient outcomes, simplify platelet storage, and reduce logistical challenges in hospitals. The findings from this trial could have important implications for the management of post-operative bleeding in cardiac surgery, offering new insights into how platelet transfusions can be best utilised.
CPAP LITE STUDY
The CPAP Lite study is a single-centre, open-label, interventional trial that aims to test a new type of mask used with a ventilator to help patients breathe. This mask is uniquely designed with soft ‘plugs’ that fit inside a person’s nose, while the ventilator delivers air directly into the nose to support breathing. CPAP treatment is commonly used for patients with respiratory failure, providing vital assistance with breathing when they are in hospital. It can also be used at night for people with sleep apnoea, a condition where breathing stops and starts during sleep.
In this study, the new mask will be compared to two commonly used masks to assess how well it supports breathing and how comfortable it is for patients. Participants will use each mask in turn to ensure a fair comparison of their effectiveness and comfort levels. This will allow researchers to gather valuable data on how the new mask compares to existing treatments.
The goal of this study is to determine whether the new mask can provide more effective breathing support while also being more comfortable for patients. If successful, this could lead to improvements in how people with respiratory failure and sleep apnoea are treated, both in hospital and at home, making breathing assistance more accessible and comfortable for a wider range of patients.
CRISP (COLD TEMPERATURES IN PATIENTS WITH SEPSIS)
The CRISP study is an observational research project based in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) that focuses on patients with sepsis, a serious infection that can cause dangerously low body temperatures. Specifically, the study looks at the proportion of critically ill patients who develop cold sepsis, a condition where the body’s temperature drops due to the infection. The aim is to understand how common this is and how it impacts patient outcomes.
The study also investigates the current methods of temperature management used for these patients in the ICU. Standard care practices for treating cold sepsis are a key focus, as this can help guide better management strategies for future patients. Data is being collected from 200 patients admitted to the ICU with acute conditions related to sepsis.
Currently, the study is in the data analysis phase, where the research team is examining the information gathered. The goal is to use these findings to improve how cold sepsis is treated and to identify the most effective care practices to improve patient survival and recovery.
EPO TRAUMA
The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that by 2030, trauma will become the third leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Erythropoietin (EPO) is a hormone that plays a crucial role in red blood cell production, and there are medications, known as erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESAs), that mimic this function in humans. EPO has effects beyond just increasing red blood cells, with studies in animals showing potential protective benefits for organs like the brain, kidneys, liver, and heart, as well as anti-inflammatory properties. Research suggests that the ESA epoetin alfa may improve survival rates and reduce long-term disability in patients with severe trauma.
Previous studies indicate that epoetin alfa can help critically ill trauma patients by reducing mortality by at least 20%. This finding could have significant implications for how trauma patients are managed in critical care settings. By improving survival and reducing disability, epoetin alfa may offer a promising treatment for patients who suffer severe injuries, helping them recover both physically and functionally.
To further explore the potential benefits of epoetin alfa, an international multicentre trial will be conducted in critically ill trauma patients across Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and Saudi Arabia. This study aims to provide more robust evidence on how this treatment can improve outcomes for trauma patients, potentially reshaping patient care strategies globally.
EWS AUDIT OVERVIEW
This audit is a study focused on reviewing the use of the EWS (Early Warning Score) in patients admitted to Wellington Hospital. The main objective of this audit is to identify trends in the clinical observations that contribute to the EWS throughout a patient’s hospital stay. By examining the data, the study aims to understand how patients' vital signs change over time and how these changes might indicate the need for urgent medical review by the hospital's Medical Emergency Team (MET).
The study will specifically look at patients whose clinical observations suggest they need closer monitoring or a more immediate assessment by the MET. This could include patients showing signs of deteriorating health, such as changes in oxygen levels, blood pressure, heart rate, or respiratory function. By analysing these trends, researchers hope to establish patterns that could help healthcare providers recognize when a patient is becoming unwell earlier, potentially before more serious complications develop.
The findings from this audit could be instrumental in guiding the implementation of new technologies and strategies to monitor patient health in hospital settings. Understanding these trends will assist healthcare professionals in using new measurement tools to detect signs of illness sooner, ultimately improving patient outcomes and reducing the time it takes to respond to critical changes in a patient’s condition.
EVITHE GINGER TINCTURE (CARELWON) PK STUDY
This study is a first-in-human (FIH), Phase 1 trial designed to test the safety, tolerability, and how the body processes Carelwon (zingerone 12.5 mg/mL) after taking single and multiple doses. It will also look at how eating, particularly a high-fat meal, affects how Carelwon is processed in the body.
In the first phase, participants will receive a single dose of Carelwon (single ascending dose or SAD), and in the second phase, they will receive multiple doses (multiple ascending dose or MAD). The effect of food on how the body processes Carelwon will be tested in the first phase.
Participants go through a screening process before starting treatment, followed by the treatment itself and a follow-up period to monitor any effects.
FEISTY II STUDY
The FEISTY II study is investigating how to improve the recovery of severely injured trauma patients who experience major bleeding and have low levels of fibrinogen, a protein in the blood that helps with clotting. The study compares two methods of replacing fibrinogen: Fibrinogen Concentrate, which is a freeze-dried product, and Cryoprecipitate, a blood product that needs to be thawed before use.
The primary aim of the study is to find out which treatment leads to better outcomes for patients. Specifically, the researchers want to know which approach helps patients survive and stay out of the hospital longer. They will track how many days patients are alive and at home 90 days after they receive the treatment.
The findings from the FEISTY II study could play a key role in shaping future treatments for trauma patients who are at risk of bleeding and have low fibrinogen levels. By identifying the most effective treatment, the study hopes to improve survival rates and recovery times for these patients.
INFORM
Asthma is a significant health issue in New Zealand, with approximately one in eight adults receiving treatment for the condition. While most asthma patients have mild or moderate disease, they have traditionally been treated with short-acting beta2-agonists (SABAs) as needed, with or without daily inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). Recent studies have shown that budesonide-formoterol, a combination of ICS and a rapid-acting long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA), taken as needed, reduces the risk of asthma attacks by 60% compared to those using only SABAs. However, no studies have yet looked at the use of budesonide-formoterol as a reliever therapy for those who continue to use daily ICS.
The INFORM study aims to fill this gap by comparing the effect of budesonide-formoterol as a reliever therapy on airway inflammation—of the underlying disease process in asthma—versus traditional SABA reliever therapy in adults who taking daily ICS for maintenance.
By addressing this gap in knowledge, the INFORM study will provide valuable insights into whether budesonide-formoterol can be more effective in managing asthma in people already on daily ICS.
LOGICAL
The LOGICAL study is a sub-study of the larger Mega-ROX trial, focusing on patients who are admitted to the ICU following a cardiac arrest. These patients, who are part of the Mega-ROX trial, are enrolled in LOGICAL to assess the impact of two different oxygen therapy approaches—conservative versus liberal oxygen therapy—on their survival and neurological outcomes 180 days after randomisation. The goal is to understand how these oxygen strategies affect patients' long-term recovery, particularly in terms of brain function and overall quality of life.
In addition to exploring the effects of oxygen therapy, the LOGICAL equity study specifically looks at the healthcare delivery and outcomes for Māori and European patients in New Zealand Intensive Care Units. By comparing these two groups, the equity study aims to identify any disparities in care or outcomes and highlight areas where healthcare delivery may need to be adjusted to ensure all patients have the best possible chance of recovery.
The LOGICAL study is an important part of understanding how different treatment approaches in the ICU can affect long-term survival and brain function after a life-threatening event like cardiac arrest. It also addresses critical questions around equity in healthcare, aiming to ensure that all patients, regardless of their background, receive the most effective care possible.
MAGIC
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally, accounting for 40% of all deaths each year. New Zealand has a particularly high incidence of coronary heart disease, with approximately one in 20 adults affected, and the country ranks poorly for heart disease-related deaths compared to other OECD nations. Additionally, New Zealand has high rates of rheumatic valvular heart disease, which often requires surgical repair or replacement. Around 3,000 cardiac surgeries involving heart-lung bypass are performed annually in New Zealand. These major surgeries frequently lead to post-operative blood circulation instability.
The MAGIC study aims to determine whether the drug Methylene Blue can help resolve this instability more quickly in patients following major cardiac surgery. The study will assess whether Methylene Blue can shorten the duration of instability, leading to a faster recovery, reduced time in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and a shorter overall hospital stay for these patients.
By investigating the potential benefits of Methylene Blue, the MAGIC study could offer a new treatment option for patients undergoing major cardiac surgery, helping to improve recovery times and reduce the burden on the healthcare system. The results of this study may provide valuable insights into more effective management of post-surgical complications in heart patients.
MEGA-ROX
The Mega-ROX study aims to explore how two different approaches to oxygen therapy affect the risk of death in patients who need emergency life support, such as a breathing machine, in the ICU. Oxygen is a vital treatment for these patients, but they often receive more oxygen than necessary to keep their oxygen levels in the normal range. There is ongoing debate about whether providing more oxygen than needed could be harmful, or whether it might even offer some benefits. This study compares two strategies for oxygen delivery: one that gives slightly more oxygen and another that provides slightly less. Both methods are considered safe, but it remains unclear which is the most effective.
Patients in this study, the largest ICU trial undertaken, are randomly assigned to one of two oxygen therapy approaches. However, the study is designed so that if one approach shows more promise for certain patient groups, more patients with similar conditions will be allocated to that approach. This adaptive design allows the study to continuously evolve based on the results, helping to refine treatment options for future patients. Essentially, each patient not only benefits from the insights gained from previous patients but also contributes to improving care for those who follow.
While patients participating in the Mega-ROX trial may have a lower overall risk of death compared to those not included in the study, the research is crucial in determining which oxygen therapy approach is most beneficial in the long term. This study could help establish a more tailored, effective approach to oxygen treatment in critically ill patients, ultimately improving their chances of recovery.
NHFO2: ED
The NHFO2: ED study investigates the use of a novel device to titrate oxygen therapy in patients attending Wellington Hospital's Emergency Department. These patients will be given oxygen through a new device called the AIRVO-3, which delivers oxygen through small, soft plastic tubes in the nose. The oxygen provided is warm, humid, and fast-flowing to enhance comfort and effectiveness.
Study participants will be randomly assigned to receive oxygen with either an automatic or manual control setting. The primary goal of the study is to determine how effective the automatic oxygen setting is at maintaining oxygen levels within a safe range compared to the manual setting.
By comparing the two methods of oxygen delivery, this study aims to identify the most effective way to manage oxygen therapy in emergency patients, potentially improving outcomes and comfort for those in need of urgent care.
OMG01 STUDY
The OMG01 study is investigating how effective two doses of OMG-100—a product made from 100% CBD—are in treating insomnia. Insomnia, a condition where people have trouble falling or staying asleep, can seriously affect a person’s well-being. In this study, participants who have been diagnosed with insomnia will be given either 150mg or 300mg of OMG-100, or a placebo (a treatment with no active ingredients). The goal is to find out if OMG-100 can help people sleep better compared to a placebo.
The main focus of the study is to measure how much these doses of CBD reduce the severity of insomnia. This will be done using the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), a questionnaire that tracks how often someone has difficulty sleeping and how badly it affects their life. By comparing the results of those taking OMG-100 with those taking the placebo, researchers hope to understand whether CBD can make a real difference for people who struggle with sleep.
This study could potentially offer new insights into using CBD as a treatment for insomnia. If successful, it could lead to a safer, more natural option for people who need help with their sleep. The results could also help determine the right dosage for treating insomnia, ensuring that people get the most benefit with minimal side effects.
PREVENT LRTI FEASIBILITY
The PREVENT LRTI feasibility study aims to explore whether a short course of antibiotics can reduce the risk of early chest infections in adults with acute brain injuries who are receiving mechanical ventilation in the ICU. Mechanical ventilation, where a breathing machine helps patients breathe, is often necessary for patients with severe brain injuries. However, it can increase the risk of infections, particularly chest infections, which can complicate recovery and prolong hospital stays.
In this study, participants who are on mechanical ventilation will be given a short course of antibiotics to see if this treatment reduces the number of patients who later require treatment for chest infections. The study will focus on determining if this intervention is feasible, helping to establish whether it can be safely implemented in the ICU setting and whether it could potentially improve patient outcomes.
If the feasibility study shows that administering antibiotics in this way is effective and safe, it could lead to a larger trial to confirm the benefits. This approach may help to reduce complications such as chest infections in critically ill patients, improving their chances of recovery and reducing the burden on healthcare resources in intensive care units.
PRN ASTHMA PILOT
The PRN Asthma Pilot is a single-centre study designed to assess the feasibility of conducting asthma reviews through community pharmacies, in collaboration with general practitioners (GPs), and within a standing order prescription model. This approach aims to streamline asthma care by involving community pharmacies in monitoring and managing asthma, alongside the work done by GPs.
The study will evaluate whether this model can be successfully implemented and if it improves the efficiency and accessibility of asthma management for patients. It will explore how well community pharmacies can play a key role in asthma reviews, ensuring that patients receive timely support and medication adjustments when needed.
If successful, the PRN Asthma Pilot could lead to a broader rollout of community pharmacy-based asthma reviews, potentially improving the management of asthma in the community and providing better access to care for patients, particularly in underserved areas.
PRN ILI SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMME
The PRN ILI Surveillance Programme is a Te Niwha-funded initiative that focuses on monitoring influenza-like illnesses (ILI) through a network of PRN pharmacies, in collaboration with ESR (Environmental Science and Research). This programme aims to expand the reach of ILI surveillance, complementing existing surveillance efforts in GP practices by targeting a different group of people. It focuses on individuals who may not be unwell enough to seek care at a GP but still exhibit symptoms of ILI, such as fever, cough, or sore throat.
Through this programme, PRN pharmacies will systematically screen patients who present with flu-like symptoms, gathering data to track trends in ILI across the community. This approach provides valuable insights into how ILI is circulating in the population, particularly in groups who might otherwise go undetected in traditional healthcare settings. By monitoring ILI in this way, the programme helps to strengthen New Zealand's ability to detect and respond to influenza outbreaks.
By collaborating with ESR, the programme will also ensure that data collected is accurate and can be integrated into national surveillance efforts. If successful, this initiative could play a key role in improving early detection of influenza outbreaks, helping to inform public health responses and better manage healthcare resources during peak flu seasons.
PRN NEEDLE LENGTH RCT
This randomised controlled trial, funded by Te Niwha, is being conducted in PRN pharmacies and will involve 486 participants. The study aims to compare two methods of administering the COVID-19 bi-valent booster vaccine: subcutaneous (under the skin) versus intramuscular (into the muscle). Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the two groups to receive their vaccine via one of these delivery routes.
The focus of the study is to evaluate the reactogenicity and immunogenicity following vaccination with each administration method. Reactogenicity refers to the side effects or reactions that occur after receiving the vaccine, while immunogenicity refers to the effectiveness of the vaccine in stimulating an immune response.
By comparing the outcomes between the two delivery methods, the trial seeks to provide valuable data on how each route of administration impacts vaccine response, potentially guiding future vaccine distribution strategies for COVID-19 boosters.
REMAP-CAP
Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a leading cause of hospital and ICU admissions, with many patients requiring intensive care. However, there is uncertainty around the best treatments for severe pneumonia. The REMAP-CAP research programme aims to address this by investigating several treatment options simultaneously. Patients admitted to intensive care are randomly assigned to different treatment options in key areas, such as the choice of initial antibiotics, the duration of antibiotic treatment with anti-inflammatory properties, the timing and duration of steroids, and the use of antiviral medications. By continually analysing the outcomes of earlier patients, the study adapts in real time, ensuring that treatment options evolve as the study progresses.
The REMAP-CAP approach is designed to integrate research into everyday medical practice, creating a dynamic learning health system. This system helps bridge the gap between clinical care and research, ensuring that the best evidence is quickly used to improve patient care. By continuously monitoring results, it allows for fast modifications to treatment strategies, providing an agile approach to managing complex health issues. This model also positions the research to respond swiftly to emerging health threats, such as pandemics, where timely adjustments to treatment protocols are critical.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, REMAP-CAP proved to be a vital resource for rapidly identifying the most effective treatments for critically ill patients. The findings from this study have been incorporated into both local and international guidelines, leading to significant improvements in patient care. This ability to swiftly adapt to new health crises highlights the power of the REMAP-CAP programme, offering a model for future research in critical care settings.
SPICE IV
Critically ill patients who need support from a breathing machine also require sedative medications to ensure their comfort and safety. However, excessive sedation can be harmful, and the best sedative choice remains uncertain. Research suggests that the sedative dexmedetomidine may have benefits, such as reducing the need for other medications and potentially improving survival rates in older patients. The SPICE IV study aims to determine if using dexmedetomidine alongside reduced doses of usual sedatives is more effective than standard sedation alone for ICU patients aged 65 years and older.
Participants in the study will be randomly assigned to receive either dexmedetomidine or a placebo in addition to standard sedation while they are on mechanical breathing support. Their progress will be carefully monitored, with follow-ups extending up to six months to evaluate their recovery speed and overall health outcomes. This design ensures a thorough assessment of the sedative's impact on survival and recovery.
If dexmedetomidine is shown to improve survival, it could become the standard sedative for older adults in ICUs. The findings from SPICE IV have the potential to transform sedation practices, improving outcomes for critically ill patients while ensuring safer and more effective care.
START CARE
In New Zealand, most children with asthma use a separate preventer inhaler—e.g., Flixotide or Seretide, and a reliever inhaler e.g., Respigen or Ventolin. However, for adolescents and adults, the preferred treatment is often a 2-in-1 combination inhaler e.g., Symbicort, used as a reliever +/- maintenance treatment, as it is better at preventing asthma attacks. The START CARE study aims to find out whether this 2-in-1 inhaler approach is also more effective for tamariki aged 5 to 11 years.
The study will recruit 400 children aged between 5-11 who have asthma and will last for 56 weeks. After an initial 4-week period where participants learn to use the Turbuhaler device, they will be randomly assigned to either use two separate inhalers or a single 2-in-1 inhaler for a year. Over the course of the study, participants will attend six visits, complete breathing tests (spirometry and FeNO), and answer questions about their asthma symptoms and control.
By comparing the effectiveness of the two treatment approaches, the START CARE study will determine the risk/benefit profile of the 2-in-1 inhaler, and whether this approach can be recommended for children In New Zealand and internationally..
STEPCARE STUDY
The STEPCARE trial is a large-scale clinical study involving 3,500 participants, aimed at improving outcomes for adults who experience brain injury after being resuscitated from an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. The study will assess three different interventions: deep sedation to control the level of sedation, a feedback-controlled device to maintain a body temperature below 37.8°C, and a target for mean arterial blood pressure higher than 85mmHg. These interventions will be compared to three standard approaches used in treatment: early awakening, temperature management without a device, and a blood pressure target of greater than 65mmHg.
The primary goal of the STEPCARE trial is to determine whether these interventions, in comparison to the standard approaches, help to reduce the risk of mortality by day 180 following cardiac arrest. This will help researchers understand which combination of treatments is most effective in improving survival rates for patients with suspected brain injury after cardiac arrest.
By answering this important question, the STEPCARE study hopes to identify treatment strategies that can improve recovery for patients who survive an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. The findings from this trial could have significant implications for critical care, potentially guiding clinical practices to save lives and enhance long-term recovery for these patients.
THE FLAIR STUDY
The FLAIR study is a clinical trial that aims to test the safety and effectiveness of a new 2-in-1 inhaler for asthma patients. This inhaler combines two medicines: fluticasone propionate (a steroid) and albuterol (a medication that helps open airways). It will be compared to the usual reliever inhaler that only contains albuterol (also known as salbutamol) and is used as-needed to relieve symptoms.
The study will use a type of inhaler called a multidose dry powder inhaler (MDPI), which has a built-in electronic module (eMDPI) to track usage. The main goal is to see if the combined inhaler works better than the albuterol-only inhaler in reducing the risk of severe asthma attacks. The study will also look at how two different doses of the combined inhaler help prevent asthma attacks.
The research is important as it assesses a new 2-in-1 combination medication in a new inhaler device, with the potential to offer an alternative option for the delivery of this preferred asthma regimen.
VITALDETECT
This study is testing two different devices designed to accurately measure a person’s breathing rate. One device is placed underneath the mattress of a hospital bed and can remotely track breathing and heart rate while the person lies down. The other device is a small patch that sticks to the skin on the front of a person’s chest.
The main aim of the study is to determine how reliable these two devices are at measuring breathing rates. Additionally, the study will evaluate how useful these devices could be in a hospital setting, especially for monitoring unwell patients.
The study will determine whether these devices will provide more accurate respiratory rate data, which could lead to a more precise calculation of the ‘EWS score’—a tool used in hospitals to identify patients who may be deteriorating and in need of urgent care.
