News
Study finds no clear advantage of robotic-assisted hip and knee replacement surgery
New research analysing data from more than 1.3 million hip and knee replacement operations across the UK has found no clear differences in implant survival, revision rates or surgical complications between robotic-assisted and conventional surgery. The studies, published in The British Medical Journal, used…
Qualitative research key to understanding how innovative procedures evolve, study finds
Researchers at the NIHR BRC: Bristol conducted a 3-year study highlighting how innovative surgical procedures can continue to change and develop after they are introduced into routine NHS care. Their finding supports the need for more transparent reporting and oversight of surgical innovation. The research was conducted…
New care pathway aims to cut cancelled joint replacement operations and improve recovery
A new patient-centred care pathway designed by patients, researchers and healthcare professionals could help reduce avoidable cancellations of knee and hip replacement surgery while providing better support before and after operations. The programme, called My Knee Plan/My Hip Plan, has been developed by researchers at the University…
Bristol-led study of pain relief in children undergoing surgery awarded £3.3m
The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) has awarded £3.3m to a study exploring the best way to manage pain for children who have had abdominal surgery. The Caterpillar Study is a randomised controlled trial to see whether using wound infusion catheters in children and…
Review update provides go-to resource for shared-decision making questionnaires
Researchers from the UK collaborated with colleagues from the Netherlands to create an up-to-date inventory of shared-decision making (SDM) instruments. Their work is a robust instrument quality assessment and re-evaluation of progress in the field, since a seminal review published in 2018.
New study highlights how better communication can boost clinical trial recruitment
Researchers in Bristol have shown how embedding rapid qualitative research into clinical trials can help overcome recruitment challenges and strengthen study delivery, according to a new paper published in the British Journal of Pain. The evaluation was carried out within the pilot phase of the RADICAL trial,…
Volunteers needed to help improve research on periprosthetic femoral fracture
Patients and clinicians are invited to participate in a study to develop a ‘core outcome set’ for periprosthetic femoral fracture (PoPFF). PoPFF is where, after a hip or knee replacement, the thigh bone breaks near the implant. This is a serious complication that causes pain, loss of mobility and independence…
Feasibility trials should watch, listen and adapt—not just measure outcomes, Bristol researchers say
Research from NIHR Biomedical Research Centre: Bristol and Southmead Hospital suggests early studies assessing innovative invasive devices should: Embed qualitative observation and stakeholder interviews throughout Involve patients, clinicians, and industry partners from the start Expect to iteratively update key documents and training as evidence emerges Using the ASSIST feasibility study…
Patients felt well‑informed when undergoing gastrointestinal surgery, Bristol study finds
A study supported by NIHR Biomedical Research Centre: Bristol found that clear conversations before surgery were linked with: High confidence among patients about their decision to proceed with surgery Low decisional conflict regarding their choice High confidence that risks had been adequately explained Researchers from the University of…