RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Enhanced Vitals Monitoring After Major Surgery Trial

This research is testing new ways to keep an eye on patients’ vital signs (like heart rate and blood pressure) after major surgery. Currently, monitoring often becomes less frequent once you leave intensive care or go home. This study wants to see if using special monitoring gadgets, both in the hospital and once you're back home, can help spot problems earlier. The main goal is to find out if this improved monitoring means patients have more days at home and are alive in the first month after their surgery. Participants would use two different vital signs monitors and answer some questions, with a follow-up phone call.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of British Columbia

Enrolment target

110

Start

17 Nov 2025

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2027

Surgery Post Operative Complications Quality of Recovery General Surgery Vascular Surgery Urology Gynecology

What is this study about?

Imagine you've had a big operation. After major surgery, there's always a chance of problems, so doctors and nurses need to keep a close watch on how you're doing. This study is all about finding better ways to do that, especially by looking at your vital signs like your heartbeat and blood pressure.

Currently, you're usually monitored very closely right after surgery, often in an intensive care unit. But once you move to a general ward, checks become less frequent. And when you go home, there's usually no monitoring at all. The problem is, sometimes important changes in your vital signs can be missed between these checks, which could delay finding and treating a complication. This research is trying to see if using special monitoring devices, both while you're in the hospital and after you've returned home, can help doctors spot these changes sooner.

The main question the study hopes to answer is whether these special monitors can help you spend more days at home and be well in the first month after your surgery. They will compare patients who receive this 'enhanced' monitoring with those who get the usual care. This is an important step to understand if new technology can lead to better recovery for patients after major operations, making you feel safer and more confident going home.

Key takeaways

This study explores safer recovery after major surgery.
It tests new vital sign monitors in hospital and at home.
Aims to increase 'days at home alive' in 30 days post-surgery.
Participants use devices and complete questionnaires.
Involves general, vascular, and gynaecological surgery patients in BC, Canada.
You can stop participation at any time without affecting your normal care.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for certain adults who are having major surgery. You might be suitable if you are having a major operation on your tummy (abdomen), or a major blood vessel surgery, or surgery related to women's health (gynaecology), at St. Paul's Hospital or Mount Saint Joseph’s Hospital in British Columbia, Canada. The doctors and nurses expect you to stay in the hospital for at least two days after your surgery.

To take part, you'll need to be able to speak and read English well, or have a helper at home who can. You also need to live in British Columbia in an area where the Bell mobile phone network works, as the home monitoring device uses this network to send information.

There are also reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you don't want to stretchy belt on the device or if the device could cause an allergic reaction. Also, transplant operations are not part of this study, nor are patients who might struggle to communicate with the research team because of language, sight, hearing, or thinking difficulties. If you are already planning to go to a nursing home or rehabilitation center directly after the hospital, you wouldn't be able to join either.

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 having major abdominal, vascular, or gynaecologic surgery?
Do you expect to stay in the hospital for at least two days after surgery?
Can you or a caregiver speak and read English well?
Do you live in British Columbia in an area with Bell mobile network coverage?
Are you able to use a monitoring device at home, or have someone help you?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will be assigned by chance to one of two groups: either the group that receives the special monitoring or the group that receives the usual care. If you are in the special monitoring group, you will use two different vital signs monitoring devices: one while you are in the hospital and another once you return home. These devices will keep a closer eye on your vital signs.

Throughout the study, you will also be asked to fill out several questionnaires about your health and recovery. After you leave the hospital, a researcher will call you to check in and see how you are doing. The total duration of your active participation, including the home monitoring and follow-up, will be for the first 30 days after your surgery.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer some potential benefits, such as receiving closer monitoring of your vital signs after surgery, which could help detect any problems sooner. This enhanced vigilance might lead to quicker treatment if complications arise. However, it's also possible there will be no direct benefit to you personally. Potential risks are generally low, but could include minor skin irritation from the monitoring devices or feeling a little overwhelmed by answering questions and dealing with the devices. There's always the option to stop participating in the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (2)

Mount Saint Joseph's Hospital
Verified postcode
Vancouver, Canada· Recruiting
St. Paul's Hospital
Verified postcode
Vancouver, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What kind of surgery is this study for?

It's for adults having major operations on their tummy areas (general and gynaecological surgery) or major blood vessel surgery.

What are 'vital signs'?

Vital signs are basic health measures like your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, and body temperature. They tell doctors a lot about how your body is working.

Will I have to pay for anything?

No, you won't have to pay for any of the monitoring devices or study-related activities if you take part.

How long will I be monitored?

If you're in the special monitoring group, you'll be monitored both in the hospital and for about 30 days once you're back home.

Could this monitoring device cause an allergic reaction?

The researchers will ask you about any known allergies, especially to materials the device might be made from, to ensure your safety.

How to find out more

Janny Ke, MD

janny.ke@ubc.ca 604-816-3339 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.