Research Streams
Critical Bleeding
Major haemorrhage is a leading cause of early death. It is often unexpected, and may require large quantities of blood urgently – a daily challenge for blood services and health systems. We’re using our Massive Transfusion Registry together with a network of specialists working across prehospital and hospital settings to develop new evidence to inform recommendations and guide clinical decision-making on management of critical bleeding.
Critical Illness
Critically ill patients in intensive care often receive blood transfusions, yet major evidence gaps still exist regarding the optimal use of blood components and other therapies in this context. We are conducting observational and interventional studies to evaluate the efficacy and safety of transfusions in critically ill patients, providing data that will inform policy and guide clinical decision-making in transfusion support for patients in the critical care setting.
Blood Diseases
Patients with blood cancers and other blood diseases are the major users of red cell and platelet products. However, much of the evidence base for transfusion practice in this area is weak and in some cases, outdated, as treatments of these disorders have advanced significantly in recent years. We are investigating optimal transfusion and alternative treatment strategies, to improve clinical management and outcomes, and reduce transfusion risks.
Immunoglobulin Use
Immunoglobulin (Ig) therapy, made from plasma, is used to treat patients with a wide range of conditions; for patients with blood cancers, it is generally used to prevent or treat infections. Ig use accounts for over half Australia’s national blood budget, and its use continues to grow. Our research investigates the efficient and effective use of Ig, including optimal duration of use, clinical outcomes for patients receiving Ig, and other interventions to manage infectious risks.
Health Economics
Our health economic analyses are conducted alongside each research stream, embedded within each of the research projects. This approach provides important new information to improve health system performance and deliver quality, cost-effective care for patients.
Research Project Areas
Major haemorrhage management
Establishing the National Transfusion Dataset, through expansion of the Australian & New Zealand Massive Transfusion Registry (ANZ MTR)
Integration of prehospital haemorrhage and transfusion datasets
Access and use of blood products for major haemorrhage
Modelling demand and availability of blood products
Uptake and impact of point-of-care testing on coagulation management and blood use
New approaches to massive transfusion support
Fibrinogen concentrate for the treatment of critical bleeding via FEISTY II
Prehospital pilot trial of lyophilised plasma
Development of clinical decision support systems for critical bleeding
Transfusion support in critically ill patients
Observational studies of blood product use in intensive care, including the Australian and New Zealand arm of the InPUT study
Haemoglobin thresholds in patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Management of anaemia and bleeding in haematologic malignancies
Alternatives to conventional platelet transfusion to prevent and manage bleeding
Optimising red blood cell transfusion strategies in myelodysplasia, including through REDDS-2
Observational studies to determine the true total cost of red blood cell transfusion in myelodysplasia (TRUSTT-MDS)
Immunoglobulin use
Observational studies of immunoglobulin use in patients with blood cancers
Comparing immunoglobulin therapy versus antibiotics for the prevention and treatment of infection through the RATIONAL pilot trial, RATIONAL Platform Trial and RATIONALISE Trial
Convalescent plasma for treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19) through REMAP-CAP and ASCOT
Student Projects
We have a number of projects available for students looking to undertake research as part of an Honours, Masters or PhD program. Contact us if you are interested in joining our team.