OPERAS – protocol for a prospective multicentre observational cohort study of opioid use after surgery
Publication date: 2022
About: This prospective, multicentre cohort study involves surgical patients in Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, and select international sites. The primary aim is to investigate and compare opioid prescription vs consumption, 7 days post-discharge after common surgeries and assess patient-reported outcomes on pain. The results should help understand opioid requirements post-surgery and guide safer prescribing practices, reducing the burden of the opioid crisis on a global scale.
Study management strategies to optimize student- and trainee-led collaborative research
Publication date: 2022
About: The article describes the importance of collaborative research, with a particular focus on the conceptualisation and design of the OPERAS study, a student- and trainee-led international multi-centre prospective study developed in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. It further explains the usage of robust committee structures and wide educational resources to engage over 2000 collaborators across various regions for the OPERAS study. Funded by the Maurice and Phyllis Paykel Trust and University of Newcastle, Australia, the OPERAS study demonstrates the power of collaborative research in informing safe opioid prescribing practices
The management of peri‐operative anaemia in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery in Australia and New Zealand: a prospective cohort study
Publication date: 2022
About: The POST-operative Variability in anaemia treatmenT and Transfusion (POSTVenTT) study, is a prospective observational cohort study conducted in Australi and New Zealand. It aimed to audit the management of peri-operative anaemia in patients undergoing major
abdominal surgery to help improve patient outcomes. With over 2700 patients across 56 different hospitals, POSTVenTT identified that proper pre-operative management of anaemia was associated with reduced complications and transfusions, while post-operative anaemia that was poorly managed led to higher rates of hospital re-admission.
Medical student involvement in the COVID-19 response
Publication date: 2020
About: The article written by representatives of the STARSurg Collaborative, EuroSurg Collaboration and TASMAN Collaborative addresses the significant impact that the COVID-19 had on medical student’s training worldwide. It focuses on reinforcing the importance
of regulatory bodies within medical schools to ensure future doctors and medical students are adequately trained and supported to deliver essential patient care, even during crises.
Rethinking the role of senior medical students in the COVID‐19 response
Publication date: 2020
About: The article highlights the role of final year medical students in the work force during COVID-19 pandemic. Comparing international practices, the articles argues the benefits of utilising skills taught to medical students and challenges that might be encountered
during this process.
Trainee- and student-led research networks: promoting research skills and competency through collaboration
Publication date: 2020
About: The article focuses on addressing the benefits of Trainee-led and student-led collaborative research networks (TCRNs and SCRNs) especially in acquiring surgical research skills by integrating research into training programs. These networks enable large-scale multicentre audits and trials, enabling practical exposure to research, leadership and professional development. Despite identification of some barriers, increased recognition and support of these networks could improve long-term academic engagement and surgical research contributions.
