Conducting research in resuscitation trauma is necessary to improve how shocked trauma patients are managed and evaluate new interventions. However, there are additional challenges that the trauma resuscitation environment presents that need to be considered when designing and running studies that involve shocked trauma patients. Challenges to consider include:
Impact to resuscitation
The study must be designed so patient care is prioritised, and impacts to resuscitation workflow, procedures and team coordination are minimised. Steps need to be taken to integrate the intervention and data collection into the workflow of resuscitation, being aware that the research processes may be relegated if there are urgent clinical needs.
Ethics and consent
Robust rationale and preliminary studies may be required to justify ethics approval for research interventions in the high-risk setting of resuscitation.
The process of obtaining consent for the study intervention and for the collection and use of data for publication needs to be developed, being mindful that patients likely cannot consent due to compromised cognition or the nature of their injuries. A waiver or opt-out process may be appropriate.
Logistics
Managing the logistics of the required personnel and equipment for research in resuscitation presents an extra challenge. Within the trauma bays, dedicated study equipment and supernumerary personnel for research procedures may be necessary.
Engagement
The resuscitation of shocked trauma patients and following care is extremely multidisciplinary. It is important to gain approval and seek contributions from the range of disciplines and personnel involved in the care of patients recruited for the study.