Hospital reinforces reputation as leading research institute

10 Sep 2021

The annual report highlights the hospital’s focus on research and the impressive portfolio of projects and clinical trials that are contributing to St John of God Subiaco Hospital’s reputation as one of Australia’s premier research institutes. 

Over the past 12 months, members of the Research Team were involved in 52 clinical trials across a wide variety of specialty areas, and published a record 176 peer-reviewed medical papers.

Of these projects, 24 were specific to oncology, signifying the hospital’s position as a premier cancer research institute.

In addition, St John of God Subiaco Hospital’s strategic investment in research allowed the team to recruit an astounding 186 clinical trial participants throughout the year.

As the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic continued worldwide, renewed adaptability, resilience and innovation was required.

St John of God Subiaco Hospital CEO Prof Shirley Bowen said “We were privileged to contribute to the global pandemic response through our involvement in the REMAPCAP clinical trial which evaluated a range of different treatment options for patients with COVID-19.”

“This large international trial was chaired by St John of God Subiaco Hospital Intensivist Prof Steve Webb and found that critically ill patients with COVID-19 have improved outcomes when treated with an arthritis drug that reduces inflammation by modifying the immune system,” she said.

Another major aspect of clinical care provided at St John of God Subiaco Hospital is anaesthesia and peri-operative medicine.

The PADDI (Perioperative Administration of Dexamethasone and Infection) trial led by Anaesthetist Clinician Prof Tomás Corcoran evaluated the effect of routine administration of dexamethasone, a drug used before surgery to prevent nausea and vomiting.

The study found that the drug does not increase the risk of a surgical wound infection as previously feared.

Given that more than half of patients are at risk of experiencing nausea and vomiting after surgery, this outcome will have a real impact on many people around the world.

The hospital was the highest recruiting hospital in Australia and the second highest amongst all hospitals involved in the trial.

Prof Bowen added “We are committed to translational research that will have the greatest impact on patient outcomes.”

“The projects included within this annual report are driving ongoing developments in health care outcomes, technologies and treatments around the world.”

“This not only improves patients’ quality of life. It also saves more lives.”

To read the full report, visit sjog.org.au/subiacoresearch