Study tests whether Aspirin can prevent blood clots after hip surgery | News

A new study launched at Royal Surrey will investigate whether aspirin can safely prevent blood clots after surgery in older adults who have suffered a hip fracture.

Currently, in line with NICE guidance, patients receive daily heparin injections for up to 28 days following surgery to reduce the risk of blood clots.

Researchers hope the study, led by Queen Mary University of London, will show that a simple aspirin tablet is just as effective as the daily injection - offering a more comfortable option for patients and a more cost‑effective treatment for the NHS.

Aspirin is already used to prevent blood clots in this group of patients in countries such as the United States.

In the UK alone, more than 72,000 people sustain a hip fracture each year, and older adults are at particularly high risk of developing blood clots.

Royal Surrey will be one of around 90 NHS trusts taking part in the 12‑month Direct Trial, funded by the National Institution of Health and Care Research (NIHR). It is set to open in July and aims to recruit more than 200 patients aged over 60 in Guildford.

Associate Principal Investigator Nanci Doyle, an Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP), said: “It is really exciting to be part of a study that has the potential to positively change clinical guidelines.

“A tablet instead of a daily injection could improve patient experience and reduce costs, while still providing safe protection against blood clots.”