The Women's Recovery from Sternotomy (WREST) study: design of a randomized trial of a novel undergarment for early use after sternotomy.
BACKGROUND
Clinicians who work with women poststernotomy often suggest that they wear a supportive brassiere to ameliorate pain, discomfort, and potential wound complications. There is no empirical evidence that supports this practice.


METHODS
Despite methodological challenges, a clinical trial is currently underway to investigate the efficacy of early use of a novel undergarment after sternotomy. Women (N = 430) having first time sternotomy in 9 Canadian centers will be randomized to receive either the usual care of the institution or early use of a novel undergarment. Follow-up is planned over 12 postoperative weeks. Coprimary outcomes are pain, discomfort, and return to function. Wound healing is a secondary outcome. An economic evaluation substudy is also underway.


CONCLUSIONS
The WREST Study is a unique ongoing trial examining the efficacy of a novel undergarment in reducing women's pain and enhancing their comfort and return to function. The findings of the trial and its economic substudy will enable health care providers to make rational evidence-based clinical decisions regarding women's early care after sternotomy.
King
Kathryn M
KM
Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. kingk@ucalgary.ca
Tsuyuki
Ross
R
Faris
Peter
P
Currie
Gillian
G
Maitland
Andrew
A
Collins-Nakai
Ruth
R
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D013504:Cardiovascular Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D003020:Clothing / Q000191:economics; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013249:Sternum / Q000601:surgery*; D013997:Time Factors; D014945:Wound Healing