Mount Druitt

Researchers are working on the ETHOS II Project to improve care for people with hepatitis C virus (HCV) in drug treatment clinics and needle and syringe programs (NSPs) across New South Wales and Australia. The project aims to create a framework for better HCV screening and treatment services in these settings nationally. It is a collaborative effort involving multiple health and research organizations, focusing on individuals with a history of injecting drug use or those receiving opioid substitution therapy. The study involves an intervention that includes on-site HCV RNA testing, liver fibrosis assessment, and helping participants connect to care to increase the use of direct-acting antiviral therapy for HCV. Participants will undergo procedures such as Hepatitis C testing, fibroscan, questionnaires, and clinical assessments during "campaign days." A sub-study will invite 550 participants to provide blood samples to evaluate new diagnostic tests for chronic HCV infection. The project also includes interviews with policy makers, clinicians, and patients to understand challenges in HCV care, and the development of an education and training program to improve workforce skills and HCV care quality. Participants will be recruited from drug treatment clinics, general practices, and NSP programs. They will complete surveys and may consent to link their data with health databases for ongoing study. The main outcome measured is the number of participants starting anti-HCV treatment each year for up to three years. Researchers will monitor participant health records and follow up through medical record reviews, ensuring thorough tracking of treatment initiation and care engagement throughout the study duration.

Researchers are evaluating the long-term effects of lidocaine infusions given during and after surgery on the development of moderate or severe chronic post-surgical pain (CPSP) one year after breast cancer surgery in adult female patients. This Phase 3, international, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involves more than 4,000 participants undergoing mastectomy or breast conserving surgery. The study aims to detect a 25% reduction in CPSP incidence and also assesses safety, pain relief effectiveness, neuropathic pain characteristics, psychological well-being, and quality of life. Participants receive either a lidocaine infusion or a placebo infusion starting with an intravenous bolus after anesthesia induction, followed by continuous intravenous infusion during surgery. After surgery, a subcutaneous lidocaine or placebo infusion is continued for up to 24 hours. Dosages are based on lean body weight and capped at 68 kg. Patients undergoing day-case surgery receive only the intraoperative bolus and infusion without the postoperative infusion. Throughout the study, patient pain levels, opioid use, safety events, neuropathic pain symptoms, psychological status, and quality of life are closely monitored. The primary outcome is the patient-reported incidence of moderate or severe CPSP one year after surgery. Data collection includes follow-up visits and assessments to track both short-term and long-term effects of the treatments.