Prevention of post-splenectomy sepsis in patients with asplenia - a study protocol of a controlled trial

Background: Patients with asplenia have a significantly increased lifelong risk of severe invasive infections, particular post-splenectomy sepsis (PSS). Clear preventive measures have been described in the literature, but previous studies found poor implementation of prevention recommendations. Aim of the study is to improve the adherence to guideline-based preventive measures and thereby reduce the incidence of PSS by a novel telephone-delivered intervention that involves both patients and their physicians. Methods: A prospective controlled, two-armed historical control group design is used to evaluate the new intervention compared to usual care. The intervention for patients includes both educational aspects and, building on the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA), intervention components that promote motivation and planning of preventive measures. For physicians the intervention is primarily information-based. The primary outcome, the adherence to preventative measures, is indicated by a study-specific 'Preventing PSS-score' (PrePSS-score), which is assessed at baseline and at 6-months follow-up. Secondary outcomes include, amongst others, patient self-efficacy and action-planning, asplenia-specific health literacy, general self-management and asplenia-specific self-management. In a process-evaluating part of the study interview-data on patients' and physicians' evaluation of the intervention will be gathered. Discussion: This trial will provide evidence about the effectiveness of the novel prevention intervention for asplenic patients. If demonstrated beneficial, the intervention manual will be made publicly available to enable implementation in practice. The experience gained within this trial may also be valuable for prevention strategies in patients with other diseases.