Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Identification and Treatment of Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure and ARDS With Protection, Paralysis, and Proning Pathway

This study is about making sure patients with severe breathing problems, like Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), get the best possible care in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Doctors know about treatments that can save lives for these conditions, but they aren't always used in the same way everywhere. Researchers have created a new care plan called the TheraPPP Pathway. This pathway is a step-by-step guide to help medical staff consistently use these proven treatments. The study will see how well this TheraPPP Pathway works and how easily it can be put into practice across different ICUs in Alberta, Canada, with the ultimate goal of improving patient care.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Calgary

Enrolment target

19,916

Start

01 Apr 2021

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2026

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure ARDS, Human

What is this study about?

This study is looking at how to improve care for people who are very unwell with serious breathing difficulties, specifically conditions like Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure (HRF) and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). These are complex conditions where the lungs struggle to get enough oxygen into the blood, often requiring patients to be cared for in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and often needing a breathing machine.

Over the years, medical science has found effective ways to treat these conditions that can really help patients recover. However, these life-saving treatments aren't always used in the same way, or as often as they could be, across different hospitals or even within the same hospital. This means that some patients might not be getting the full benefit of these proven approaches.

To address this, a team of experts has developed something called the TheraPPP Pathway. This is essentially a clear, step-by-step guide for doctors and nurses to follow when treating patients with HRF and ARDS. The idea is to make sure that these important treatments, which involve *Protection* (of the lungs), *Paralysis* (using medication to relax muscles), and *Proning* (carefully turning patients onto their front), are used consistently and correctly. The study will test if following this new pathway improves patients' health and how well hospitals can put it into practice.

Key takeaways

This study focuses on improving care for severe breathing problems like ARDS.
It aims to ensure patients consistently receive proven, life-saving treatments.
A new guide, the 'TheraPPP Pathway,' will help medical staff achieve this.
The study assesses both the effectiveness and practical use of this pathway.
It's about optimising existing care, not testing new drugs or procedures.
This research hopes to lead to better outcomes for patients in ICU.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults who are already in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in Alberta, Canada. To be considered, you would need to be using a breathing machine (mechanically ventilated) because of severe breathing problems like ARDS or Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure.

The study is for anyone aged 18 or older, and includes both men and women. There are no specific conditions that would prevent you from taking part, other than not being in one of the specific ICUs or not being on a breathing machine.

Essentially, if you are an adult in a specific ICU in Alberta and need a breathing machine for serious lung problems, you would likely be eligible for this study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you currently an inpatient in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in Alberta, Canada?
Do you currently require a breathing machine (mechanical ventilation)?
Are you being treated for severe breathing difficulties, like ARDS?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

As a patient, you wouldn't directly participate in the sense of making choices or attending extra appointments. This study is about the care pathway that your medical team follows while you are already in the Intensive Care Unit receiving treatment for your severe breathing problem. Your doctors and nurses will follow the TheraPPP Pathway, which guides their decisions on how to manage your care, including how they use breathing machines, positioning, and other treatments.

Researchers will then look at your medical records (while keeping your personal information private) to understand if the pathway was followed and how you recovered. This means there are no extra visits or procedures for you beyond your usual medical care. The study focuses on how medical staff put the care plan into action and its impact on patients like you, but you wouldn't feel any difference in your day-to-day care compared to other patients receiving treatment for similar conditions. Your care duration would depend on your illness, not the study.

Potential risks and benefits

The main benefit of this study is the potential to improve the care for patients with severe breathing problems, helping more people recover. If the TheraPPP Pathway works well, it could lead to better and more consistent treatment for many patients. The risks to patients are considered very low because the study is about standardising existing, proven treatments; it's not introducing new, experimental medicines or procedures. Your medical team will always provide the best care for you based on their judgment. You have the right to decline participation in any research protocol, and this would not affect the quality of your medical care in any way.

Locations (17)

Peter Lougheed Centre (PLC)
Verified postcode
Calgary, Canada
Foothills Hospital Intensive Care Unit
Verified postcode
Calgary, Canada
Foothills Medical Center Cardiovascular ICU
Verified postcode
Calgary, Canada
Rockyview General Hospital
Verified postcode
Calgary, Canada
South Health Campus
Verified postcode
Calgary, Canada
Royal Alexandra Hospital
Verified postcode
Edmonton, Canada
Misericordia Community Hospital
Verified postcode
Edmonton, Canada
Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute
Verified postcode
Edmonton, Canada
University of Alberta Hospital General Systems ICU
Verified postcode
Edmonton, Canada
University of Alberta Hospital Neurosciences Intensive Care Unit
Verified postcode
Edmonton, Canada
Grey Nuns Community Hospital
Verified postcode
Edmonton, Canada
Northern Lights Regional Health Centre
Verified postcode
Fort McMurray, Canada

Common questions

What is ARDS?

ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome) is a severe lung condition where fluid builds up in the tiny air sacs of your lungs, making it very hard to breathe and get enough oxygen.

What is the TheraPPP Pathway?

It's a step-by-step guide for doctors and nurses using proven treatments (like lung protection, temporary muscle relaxation, and turning patients onto their front) to give the best care to patients with serious breathing problems.

Will I get different treatment if I'm in the study?

No, the study aims to ensure you receive the *best known* treatments more consistently, not different or experimental ones. It focuses on how your medical team delivers care.

Is this study safe?

Yes, it is considered very safe. The study is about using existing, proven treatments more effectively, not trying out new, unproven methods. Your medical team will always work to keep you stable and safe.

How will my privacy be protected?

Researchers will look at medical records, but your personal details will be kept private. The focus is on the overall process of care and recovery, not individual patient identification.