RecruitingNot Applicable

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of an Educational Intervention in Splenectomized Patients

Italy100 participantsStarted 2026-01-13

Plain-language summary

The absence or dysfunction of the spleen is associated with a substantially increased risk of invasive infections that may rapidly progress to fulminant sepsis, including overwhelming post-splenectomy infection (OPSI), a medical emergency with high mortality. Although the risk is greatest in the first two years after splenectomy, it persists lifelong. Preventing infections in patients with anatomical or functional asplenia requires an integrated strategy that includes patient education, early recognition of symptoms, behavioral measures, antibiotic prophylaxis when indicated, and vaccination. Post-splenectomy immunization has been shown to reduce OPSI incidence. Regional and international guidelines recommend vaccination against pneumococcus, Haemophilus influenzae type b, meningococcus (B and ACWY), herpes zoster, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, measles-mumps-rubella-varicella, and annual influenza. However, adherence to these recommendations is frequently suboptimal, often due to limited awareness among patients and healthcare professionals. This study involves the intra-hospital vaccination team providing structured vaccination consultations to splenectomized patients hospitalized at the Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS. During ward consultations, patients receive an educational intervention on asplenia-related infectious risks and preventive measures, supported by standardized informational materials. Effectiveness is evaluated using a pre-post questionnaire assessing knowledge and awareness. Patients completing the vaccination pathway at the outpatient clinic also complete a questionnaire assessing their experience with vaccination management in an intra-hospital setting.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Adult patients (≥18 years old) * Patients splenectomized at FPG for whom a vaccination consultation is requested during hospitalization * Patients who provide signed informed consent to participate in the study and for the processing of personal data for research purposes Exclusion Criteria: * Minor patients * Lack of signed informed consent for participation in the study and for the processing of personal data for research purposes * Patients splenectomized at other healthcare facilities

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Change in Infectious Risk Knowledge, Vaccination Attitudes, and Risk Perception Score

Timeframe: 24 months

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07354893

SponsorFondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2027-12-31

Contact for this trial

LAURENTI PATRIZIA, PROFESSOR

063015.9333 patrizia.laurenti@policlinicogemelli.it

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Splenectomized Patients trials