Heart failure patients are being sought by Walsall researchers to take part in a trial to test a new device aimed at preventing deterioration and helping them avoid hospital admission.
The ME-HF trial, working alongside Heartfelt technologies in Cambridge, is being led by Nursing Associates within Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust’s FORCE – Faculty of Research and Clinical Education – Team. Dr Rumi Jaumdally, Consultant Cardiologist, is the Principal Investigator.
Heart failure often leads to an accumulation of fluid, causing swelling (oedema) in the feet and legs as well as difficulty breathing. This can escalate deterioration in a patient’s condition which is why early detection is so important.
Dr Jaumdally said: “Monitoring oedema levels in heart failure patients is usually done by asking them to regularly weigh themselves to notice gains, or by asking them to keep an eye on any leg swelling. This trial is to test the Heartfelt device which is installed in the patient’s home and passively scans their feet and legs every time they walk past it. The readings mean alerts are sent to the Manor Hospital’s Cardiology Team if swelling is detected. In this way we can intervene before this escalates into something more serious. We’re excited about this trial because of the potential it may have to help reduce the burden of disease management on patients and avoid hospital admission by catching any oedema early. It also embraces the government’s 10-Year Health Plan focus on prevention.”
Ben Jones, Lead Research Practitioner, added: Our Nursing Associates have been instrumental in making this trial available for Walsall patients and this is another example of them flying the flag for research, something that was recognised when they were shortlisted for the recent Nursing Times Awards.”
To be considered for the ME-HF trial, patients need to be aged 18 or over and:
- Have heart failure
- Be taking a water tablet such as Furosemide or Bumetanide
- Have been admitted to hospital in the last year due to their heart condition
- Currently have, or have had, swelling in the ankles/legs in the last year
Potential participants are asked to call 01922 605798 or email wht.
