RecruitingInterventional

DRAGON: Are reusable surgical drapes and gowns as good as disposable surgical drapes and gowns at increasing days alive and at home after surgery?

The DRAGON study investigates whether reusable surgical drapes and gowns are as good as the disposable ones currently used, focusing on patient recovery and safety. The goal is to see if these reusable items increase the number of days patients are alive and at home after surgery. This research is important because operating theatres contribute significantly to the NHS's carbon footprint, and the UK government wants the NHS to be carbon 'net-zero' by 2045. By finding safe and effective environmentally friendly alternatives, the study hopes to help make surgery more sustainable without compromising patient care. It's part of a larger programme looking at various ways to reduce environmental impact in hospitals.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Birmingham

Enrolment target

6,400

Start

07 Apr 2025

Estimated completion

31 Mar 2027

Patients (adults) undergoing elective or emergency surgery with at least one incision ≥5 cm in adults and a clean-contaminated, contaminated or dirty wound, in NHS hospitals where there is equipoise to use either disposable or reusable drapes and gowns.

What is this study about?

Imagine an operating theatre – a place where highly skilled teams perform life-saving procedures every day. This environment, while crucial, also uses a lot of resources. The DRAGON study is all about making these vital operations more environmentally friendly, without ever compromising your safety. The NHS has a big goal: to become 'net-zero' in its carbon footprint by 2045, meaning it will remove as much greenhouse gas from the atmosphere as it puts in. Operating theatres are a key area where we can make a difference.

This particular study is focusing on something called 'surgical drapes' and 'gowns'. These are the special coverings and clothing used by the surgical team and around the patient during an operation. Currently, many hospitals use disposable (single-use) drapes and gowns, which are thrown away after each surgery. The DRAGON study wants to find out if reusable drapes and gowns are just as safe and effective in helping patients recover well, compared to the disposable ones. This means looking at how many days patients are alive and at home after their operation.

This research is part of a bigger programme that also includes looking at ways to reduce polluting gases used in anaesthesia and how hospitals manage waste. By bringing together patients, hospital staff, and researchers, this study aims to provide clear evidence that can help the NHS make operations more sustainable and kinder to our planet, all while keeping patient safety as the absolute top priority.

Key takeaways

The study compares reusable vs. disposable surgical drapes and gowns.
Main goal: check if reusable items are equally safe and effective for patient recovery.
It aims to make NHS operations more environmentally friendly.
Part of a larger effort for a 'net-zero' carbon footprint in healthcare.
No changes to your medical treatment or extra appointments.
Focuses on patients undergoing adult surgery with an incision of 5cm or more.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adult patients who are having surgery in one of 32 participating NHS hospitals. You would be considered if your surgery involves at least one cut (incision) that is 5 centimetres or longer. This includes both planned operations (elective surgery) and emergency operations. It also covers different types of wounds, from those that are slightly contaminated to those that are more so.

However, you wouldn't be eligible if your surgery involves only a very small cut, specifically less than 5 centimetres long. Also, if your surgery is for a 'clean' wound (where there's a very low risk of infection), then this study wouldn't be right for you. The study includes both men and women, aged from 5 to 100 years old.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you an adult patient?
Are you having surgery in one of the 32 participating NHS hospitals?
Will your surgery involve at least one cut (incision) that is 5cm or longer?
Is your surgery considered to have a 'clean-contaminated', 'contaminated', or 'dirty' wound type?
Are you aged 5 years or over?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you are eligible and agree to take part, your participation will mainly involve your hospital choosing whether to use reusable or disposable drapes and gowns during your surgery. You won't have any additional appointments or specific assessments directly related to the study. The study team will gather information about your recovery, focusing on how many days you are alive and at home 30 days after your operation. This data will be collected from your routine hospital records. There are no additional medications or changes to your standard care. The total duration of your participation, for data collection purposes, will be 30 days after your surgery.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no direct benefits to you as an individual for taking part in this study. However, if the study finds that reusable drapes and gowns are just as good at preventing infections as disposable ones, it could lead to significant environmental benefits by reducing waste and potentially lower costs for the NHS. This supports the move towards a more sustainable healthcare system. There are no additional risks to your health or safety identified from participating, as the study compares two types of equipment already in use. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your care.

Locations (36)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust
Unverified
Birmingham, England
Solihull Hospital
Unverified
Solihull, England
Heartlands Hospital
Unverified
Birmingham, England
Good Hope Hospital
Unverified
Sutton Coldfield, England
Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
Unverified
London, England
University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust
Unverified
Coventry, England
George Eliot Hospital
Unverified
Nuneaton, England
South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust
Unverified
Warwick, England
Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Unverified
Sutton-in-ashfield, England
Countess of Chester Hospital
Unverified
Chester, England
North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust
Unverified
Carlisle, England
Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Unverified
Liverpool, England

Common questions

What are surgical drapes and gowns?

These are the special cloths and clothing used in an operating theatre to keep the area clean and reduce the risk of infection during surgery.

Why is this study important for the NHS?

It helps the NHS find ways to make operations more environmentally friendly and reduce its carbon footprint, moving towards the government’s 'net-zero' goal, while still keeping patients safe.

Will my surgery be different if I take part?

No, your surgery will proceed as planned. The only difference is that the hospital will use either reusable or disposable drapes and gowns, both of which are standard medical equipment.

Who is funding this research?

The study is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) in the UK.

How will my recovery be tracked?

The study will look at how many days you are alive and at home 30 days after your surgery, using information from your routine hospital records.

How to find out more

DRAGON Mailbox

dragon@trials.bham.ac.uk 441216272949 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.