What is HIPPOCRATES ?

HIPPOCRATES is a research study. It aims to reduce inequalities by developing and testing new treatments (called “interventions”) that could help patients from deprived backgrounds recover more safely after major surgery.

The intervention team meeting early in the process

Surgery is carried out to help people live longer and improve their quality of life, but major surgery also carries risks (like an infection, breathing problem or other cause of serious illness). Our previous research shows that even when hospital care is good across the board, patients from more deprived backgrounds are more likely to develop complications or die after surgery.

The different ways looked at to support these patients and reduce inequalities are:
- improving their own health and fitness before surgery;
- help with finances, and
- improving recovery after surgery.

We will then see if these work, by offering the interventions to patients undergoing major operations in a study that will take place all over England.

A key part of our research is talking to patients and the public to understand their experiences and views. This helps us design better ways to support people having major operations who are experiencing deprivation.