The Irish Critical-Care Clinical Trials Group (IC-CTG) represents a group of highly motivated clinicians, nurses and scientists working collaboratively to improve outcomes in critically ill patients in Ireland. This applicant and collaborator group represents the academic leadership and the majority (>75%) of all ICU capacity in Ireland.
Our sister Intensive Care Clinical Trials Group in Australia and New Zealand (the ANZICS-CTG) has previously demonstrated significantly improved outcomes and colossal health savings for their country (i.e. one simple intervention estimated to save approx. €600,000,000.00 per year).
Despite limited network resources, the IC-CTG in conjunction with staff in our ICU’s, have already successfully conducted important observational studies and interventional studies (two currently in press, New England Journal of Medicine, October 2014).
This funding would represent a significant step change in the potential for the IC-CTG to build on the strength of this network, improve outcomes and impact practice both in Ireland and globally. If funded the IC-CTG will conduct 3 definitive intervention trials in Ireland that will answer important clinical questions.
1. PHARLAP- Does an open lung mechanical ventilation strategy in Acute
Respiratory Distress Syndrome improve outcomes.
2. TRANSFUSE- Does using ‘fresher’ red blood cell transfusion improve outcomes.
3. ECCO2R- does a strategy which allows very small breaths improve outcomes in
respiratory failure.
These are all IC-CTG member led studies.
In addition, we will conduct pilot studies to assess feasibility of future Irish studies, including the effectiveness and safety of gastric prophylaxis treatments in the critically
ill.
Finally this funding would facilitate expansion of the current program of educational, mentorship and training programs to ensure the studies conducted are of the highest quality and to encourage and retain a new generation of Irish clinical trialists, to sustain the network in the future.
