Prof Alistair Nichol
Director, Irish Critical Care-Clinical Trials Network, University College Dublin
Dr Leanne Hays
Respiratory and PPI Programme Manager, Irish Critical Care-Clinical Trials Network
Research networks advance innovation for ICU lung failure patients requiring mechanical ventilation by enhancing biological insights, conducting adaptive trials and involving patients and the public.
Often, ICU patients need breathing support, known as mechanical ventilation. Research on treatments for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is often complicated due to its diverse causes, broad definition and varying patient responses.
Few advances in ICU care for lung failure
Professor Alistair Nichol, Director of Irish Critical Care-Clinical Trials Network (ICC-CTN), explains: “There have been few, if any, new therapies brought to the ICU to improve outcomes for patients needing respiratory support, particularly those with ARDS,” he says. “We are looking into optimal ways to manage mechanical ventilation and identify drug therapies for ARDS patients.”
Adaptive trial design for precision medicine
The ICC-CTN coordinates all-Ireland research and collaborates internationally to enhance ICU respiratory care. “We are seeking to overcome the limitations in methods of existing research by using adaptive platform trials, allowing us to ask multiple questions for the same disease at the same time with quicker answers within one established trial infrastructure,” says Prof Nichol.
We are seeking to overcome the limitations
in methods of existing research by
using adaptive platform trials.
“Trials require collaboration to answer questions globally and efficiently, which was highlighted at our recent meeting with organisations InFACT, ISARIC and attendees from platform trials and all continents,” he adds. Different patient groups exhibit varying responses to the disease and its treatments, highlighting the potential for precision medicine, led by Professor Danny McAuley in Northern Ireland.
Patient and public involvement (PPI)
Dr Leanne Hays, Respiratory and PPI Programme Manager, highlights how active partnerships between researchers, patients and the public, are essential for meaningful progress. “We have established a programme of PPI, which is an extremely important part of how we inform our research,” she says.
Julianne Ahern, a member, shares her and husband Paul Deane’s experience with the PPI. “Over six years ago, I found myself in ICU by my husband’s bed; he was in a coma with an uncertain outcome,” she explains. “PPI gives patients and families a voice and an opportunity to ask questions, voice concerns and, importantly, shed light and provide valuable input into trials. It’s always patient-first with the PPI team: Kathy, Leanne and Alistair.”
To help drive clinical research in the ICU, see iccctn.org or email [email protected]
