Our Section, Intensive Care, maintains a productive research programme that combines participation in international multi-centre clinical trials with investigator-led translational research. Through close collaboration between clinicians, engineers, scientists and industry partners, the Department supports clinical investigation, postgraduate research training and the translation of research findings into clinical practice.
Our research focuses on improving outcomes for critically ill patients through clinical trials, biomedical engineering, physiological modelling, advanced monitoring technologies and data-driven decision support systems.
Primary contacts
Professor Geoff Shaw
Department of Surgery and Critical Care (Christchurch)
Dr Seton Henderson
Email seton.henderson@cdhb.health.nz
Department of Surgery and Critical Care (Christchurch)
Research themes
International clinical trials and collaborative research
A major strength of the Department is its longstanding contribution to collaborative critical care research through the Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society Clinical Trials Group (ANZICS CTG).
Christchurch Intensive Care has participated in ANZICS CTG studies for more than 30 years and continues to contribute to large international multi-centre trials that have informed contemporary intensive care practice.
Research areas include:
- Fluid resuscitation
- Acute kidney injury
- Sepsis
- Mechanical ventilation
- Oxygen therapy
- Post-cardiac arrest care
- Antimicrobial therapy
- Critical care nutrition
Participation in these studies provides patients with access to research opportunities, strengthens national and international collaborations, and supports evidence-based clinical practice within the intensive care service.
Critical care technology and translational research
Complementing the Department's clinical trials programme is an established investigator-led research portfolio focused on critical care technology and translational biomedical research.
Current research areas include:
- Physiological modelling
- Mechanical ventilation
- Glycaemic control following critical illness
- Sepsis detection and prediction
- Digital twins in healthcare
- Automated clinical decision support systems
- Advanced physiological monitoring
- Medical device development
These programmes are delivered through multidisciplinary collaborations with:
- University of Canterbury
- Christchurch Hospital
- National and international academic institutions
- Industry partners
Research outputs have generated peer-reviewed publications, postgraduate research opportunities, intellectual property and commercialisation activity, while strengthening links between engineering, quantitative sciences and clinical medicine.
Engineering, data science and clinical innovation
A distinctive feature of the Department's research strategy is the integration of bedside clinical problems with engineering and quantitative science.
This multidisciplinary approach provides opportunities to:
- Develop innovative healthcare technologies
- Evaluate novel monitoring and treatment systems
- Translate research discoveries into clinical practice
- Support investigator-initiated research
- Participate in international clinical trials
The programme also contributes to undergraduate and postgraduate education through supervision of higher degree students and active involvement of trainees in research projects.