Research and Innovation at Joseph Brant Hospital

Research and innovation are essential for advancing medical knowledge, improving patient care, and addressing the healthcare’s complex challenges. They contribute to the development of new treatments, technologies, and best practices that benefit patients and communities worldwide.

Recently, Dr. Paul Lysecki, a Surgeon, Intensivist, and the Chief of Critical Care at JBH participated in a multi-centre research study exploring the implementation of small-volume tubes for bloodwork in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at JBH.

Dr. Lysecki describes the clinical problem that the team aimed to address. “Anemia, characterized by low red blood cell counts, is a pervasive issue in ICUs globally, including Canada.  Red blood cells are crucial in transporting oxygen to the body’s tissues.  Frequent blood testing, while essential for patient care, significantly contributes to anemia.  Despite efforts to limit unnecessary testing, a considerable volume of blood that is sent to the laboratory is ultimately discarded as waste.”

In collaboration with partner sites involved in this study, Dr. Lysecki and his team tested a strategy of using small-volume blood tubes for routine lab testing. They found that clinicians were able to conserve blood, while still getting all of the information they needed from the testing to provide care. 

“The study will have a global impact and has been published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), one of the world’s leading medical journals.”

The Intensive Care Unit has continued this strategy of using small-volume tubes beyond the period of the study at JBH, demonstrating the speed with which new knowledge can be translated to the bedside. The results of this research will have an immediate and lasting impact on the health of our patients.

Dr. Lysecki’s work underscores the power of research in provide the best care for JBH’s sickest patients. “We are proud to be looking at innovative ways to provide excellent care for our patients through research, and to be helping to generate knowledge that is shared with the world.”

To learn more about the study visit https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2810758