CRN Kent, Surrey and Sussex leads on national SNAP3 study recruitment

The NIHR nationwide observational portfolio study Sprint National Anaesthesia Project 3 (SNAP3): Frailty and Delirium exploring the impact of surgery and anaesthesia on older patients, recruited the highest number of participants within CRN Kent, Surrey and Sussex (CRN KSS) at the end of March 2022.

Approximately 649 participants were recruited from 14 separate Kent, Surrey and Sussex hospital sites in a short window of data collection from potential eligible patients having surgery. This study had a local target of just over 400 participants. Some teams reached their target in as little as two days, and were encouraged to over-recruit in order to enter as much patient data into the study as possible.

Research teams nationally have so far recruited 6,875 patients into this study, which is being led by the University of Nottingham and funded through the Royal College of Anaesthetists. This is the third SNAP study; this project aims to improve the experience of older patients during and after surgery, particularly those with multiple medical problems.

The study results will help improve decision-making by patients and clinicians, as well as provide evidence for optimal design of perioperative services on physical frailty and cognition post-surgery.

Research Delivery Manager, Jane Hanson said: “It is fantastic to see the Kent, Surrey and Sussex region leading the way in recruiting to this highly valuable portfolio study. We hope that the results will lead to direct improvements in the care of this vulnerable group of patients.”

Our CRN KSS Specialty Co-Lead for Anaesthesia, Dr. Julian Giles commented: “The contribution of the research teams at the various hospitals within Kent, Surrey and Sussex to the SNAP3 study has been excellent. Everyone has worked really hard to make this valuable study a success. We know that elderly, frail patients often suffer from complications after operations. These complications result in significant hardships for this vulnerable group, who have already suffered disproportionately from the ravages of COVID-19. This group of patients is often neglected in clinical research.

“The results of this large national study will allow us to identify elderly patients who are most at risk and understand what particular harms they come to. In light of this we can refine the care we provide. This will ensure that these patients can leave hospital rapidly. They can then fully reap the benefits of the surgery. This should result in greater independence and an improved quality of life.

“Our KSS specialty co-lead, Miriam Davey and I are very proud of the massive amount of hard work put in by all our Kent, Surrey and Sussex teams. Thank you.”