The CRAFT Study

Post-operative Care and Recovery AFter Transplant study

Introduction:

The CRAFT study is a prospective multicentre cohort study led by trainees, aiming to explore the effects of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) in adult kidney transplant recipients. ERAS is a comprehensive peri-operative care pathway designed to minimize surgical stress, reduce complications, and enhance the overall patient experience. While ERAS has proven effective in various surgical specialties, its potential benefits in kidney transplantation remain largely unexplored. The study will be conducted in collaboration with patients and is supported by the Herrick Trainee Research Network (TRN) in association with the NHSBT ERAS Working Group.

Objective:

The primary objective of the CRAFT study is to evaluate the impact of ERAS on clinical outcomes in adult kidney transplant recipients. By implementing this peri-operative care pathway, the study aims to assess whether ERAS can lead to improved patient outcomes, reduced complications, and enhanced recovery after kidney transplantation.

Methodology:

  1. Study Design: The CRAFT study will be a multicentre prospective cohort study.

  2. Participants: Junior doctors from any Transplant Unit are invited to participate in the research.

  3. Protocol: The study protocol will be made available in Autumn 2023.

  4. Commencement: The study is scheduled to begin in Autumn of 2023.

  5. Collaboration: The research will be conducted in collaboration with patients to ensure patient-centeredness and relevance.

  6. Data Collection: Relevant clinical data will be collected from participating patients before, during, and after kidney transplantation, comparing those who undergo the ERAS pathway with those who follow conventional care.

Expected Outcomes:

The CRAFT study seeks to determine the potential benefits of implementing ERAS in kidney transplantation. The anticipated outcomes include:

  • A comprehensive evaluation of ERAS effectiveness in reducing surgical stress and complications in adult kidney transplant recipients.

  • Insights into the impact of ERAS on patient recovery and overall experience.

  • Generation of evidence to support the wider implementation of ERAS in kidney transplantation practice.

Collaborate:

Participation in the CRAFT study is open to junior doctors from any Transplant Unit. Interested individuals can join the research by contacting CraftTrial.HerrickSociety@gmail.com or herrick-society@googlegroups.com for further information and registration. The study welcomes collaboration, allowing trainees to contribute to high-impact research, develop their research and leadership skills, and foster cross-regional collaborations.

The CRAFT study represents an important effort to expand our understanding of the potential benefits of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery in kidney transplantation. By conducting a multicentre prospective cohort study and involving patients in the research design, the study aims to provide valuable insights that could improve the peri-operative care of adult kidney transplant recipients and enhance their overall outcomes and experience.