Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Re-Purposing the Ordering of 'Routine' Laboratory Tests in Hospitalized Medical Patients (RePORT Study)

This study, called 'RePORT', is happening in hospitals across Alberta, Canada. It's looking at how to reduce the number of 'routine' blood tests that patients receive while staying in hospital. Sometimes, patients have many tests that aren't really needed, which can cause discomfort, stress, and even lead to other unnecessary procedures. This research is trying out a set of new approaches for healthcare staff, including education and feedback, alongside information for patients, to help make better decisions about when blood tests are truly necessary. The main aim is to improve patient care, make hospital stays more comfortable, and ensure healthcare resources are used wisely. The study will run from January 2023 to October 2024.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Calgary

Enrolment target

251,817

Start

02 Jan 2023

Estimated completion

01 Oct 2026

Utilization, Health Care

What is this study about?

When you're in the hospital, it's common to have blood tests done. These tests are really important for understanding your health and guiding your treatment. However, sometimes patients have blood tests more often than necessary. This 'over-testing' can mean you're woken up more often, experience discomfort from needle pokes, and in some cases, it can even lead to other tests or procedures you might not need.

This study, called the 'RePORT Study', is designed to look at this very issue. It's taking place in hospitals across Alberta, Canada. The main idea is to introduce a new set of tools and practices to help doctors and nurses decide when blood tests are truly needed. This isn't about stopping necessary tests, but rather ensuring blood tests are ordered thoughtfully based on your current health. This could mean fewer uncomfortable needle pokes for patients and a more peaceful hospital stay.

The study involves several different approaches working together. For instance, healthcare staff will receive education on best practices for ordering tests. They'll also get feedback on how they're doing. Patients will also receive information to help them understand why tests are being done. By making these changes, the study hopes to reduce unnecessary blood tests, improve patient comfort and safety, and ensure that valuable healthcare resources are used effectively. The research will be looking at certain common blood tests, checking if the new approach is making a positive difference in how many are done, how much it costs, and most importantly, patient safety.

Key takeaways

A study in Alberta, Canada, to reduce unnecessary hospital blood tests.
Aims to improve patient comfort by reducing needle pokes and disruptions.
Will help make healthcare more efficient by avoiding wasteful testing.
No extra visits or tests for patients; study focuses on medical staff practices.
All essential blood tests will still be given when needed for your care.

Who may be eligible?

This study is for adult patients who are staying in specific medical wards at participating hospitals in Alberta, Canada. This means if you are 18 years old or older and are admitted to a general medical unit or a hospitalist unit at one of the hospitals involved in the study, you might be part of it.

You would not be part of this study if you are in a hospital outside of Alberta, or if your hospital is not one of the participating sites. Also, if you are staying in certain specialised units like intensive care (ICU), surgical, children's (paediatric), or maternity wards (obstetrical units), this study would not apply to you. It's specifically focused on general medical patients.

Since this study is about how staff order tests, rather than a new treatment for patients, patients don't directly 'join' in the usual sense. Instead, the practices on their ward may change as part of the study. All adults on medical units in the participating hospitals are included.

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 a hospital in Alberta, Canada?
Are you staying on a general medical ward or a hospitalist unit?
Is your hospital a participating site in this study?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Patients in this study are not asked to do anything extra. There are no special appointments, follow-up visits, or new medications to take. The study is focused on how hospital staff decide to order routine blood tests, not on your personal care. If you are an adult patient on a medical ward in one of the participating hospitals in Alberta, the way your medical team orders certain blood tests might be influenced by the study's new approach. This simply means that your doctors and nurses might be using new guidelines or tools to help them decide when to take your blood samples. You will continue to receive the same high standard of medical care.

Potential risks and benefits

The main benefit of this study could be that patients experience fewer unnecessary blood tests, leading to less discomfort from needle sticks and potentially fewer disruptions to their sleep. It also aims to reduce the chances of other unnecessary tests or procedures. There are no anticipated direct health risks to patients from this study, as it focuses on reducing unnecessary interventions rather than adding new ones. Patients will still receive all blood tests deemed necessary for their care. You always have the right to discuss your care with your medical team and ask questions about any tests they recommend.

Locations (1)

University of Calgary
Verified postcode
Calgary, Canada

Common questions

What kind of tests are being looked at in this study?

The study is looking at common 'routine' blood tests like complete blood counts, tests for electrolytes, and kidney function tests (creatinine and urea), as well as blood clotting tests (partial thromboplastin time and international normalized ratio).

Will I still get all the blood tests I need?

Absolutely. This study aims to reduce unnecessary tests, not necessary ones. Your medical team will continue to order all blood tests that they believe are important for your diagnosis and treatment.

How will this study affect my hospital stay?

The aim is for a positive effect, potentially meaning fewer needle pokes, less discomfort, and fewer interruptions to your rest. Your overall medical care will remain a top priority.

When is this study happening?

This study began in January 2023 and is planned to continue collecting information until October 2024 across adult hospitals in Alberta, Canada.

Who is running this study?

This research is being conducted by medical professionals in Alberta, Canada, with a focus on improving patient care and hospital efficiency through careful use of laboratory testing.