Virtual PREHAB Study for Patients Undergoing TAVI
Many older adults who need a heart procedure called TAVI are often quite frail. Being frail can make recovery harder. This study is exploring a new program called 'virtual PREHAB' to help these patients get stronger before their TAVI operation. Instead of going to a hospital, participants would do exercises and other health activities from their own homes using virtual support. The idea is to see if this home-based program is practical and safe, and if it can help reduce frailty. Currently, TAVI patients might wait several months for their surgery, and some can get weaker during this wait. This study hopes that 'virtual PREHAB' could improve their health before the procedure, leading to better results afterwards.
At a glance
What is this study about?
You've been asked to consider having a heart procedure called TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation). This is a common and life-saving procedure for people where a new heart valve is put in without needing major open-heart surgery. Many people who have TAVI are older and might be feeling a bit frail. Being frail means your body might find it harder to cope with big events like an operation, and recovery can be tougher. We know that some people even become weaker while they wait for their TAVI procedure.
This study is looking at a new idea called 'virtual PREHAB'. 'PREHAB' means 'pre-habilitation' – it's about getting fitter and healthier *before* an operation. Usually, these types of programs happen in a hospital or clinic, but that can be hard for some people to get to. 'Virtual PREHAB' means you would get support and do activities from your own home, using online tools or phone calls. A team of health professionals, including nurses, physiotherapists, and dieticians, would guide you.
Our main goal is to find out if this virtual program is safe, practical, and helpful for TAVI patients. We want to see if it can make you stronger and less frail before your operation. Ultimately, we hope that getting healthier before your TAVI could help you recover better and feel much better after your procedure.
Key takeaways
- A study looking at preparing patients for TAVI heart surgery.
- 'Virtual PREHAB' means doing health activities at home before your operation.
- Aims to make older, frailer patients stronger and healthier for TAVI.
- You'll get support from healthcare professionals remotely.
- The goal is to see if this home-based program is safe and helps improve recovery.
Who may be eligible?
This study is open to patients who are visiting the TAVI clinic at the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre. You'll also need to be able to understand the study information and give your agreement to take part, either in writing or verbally.
However, some people might not be able to join. For example, if your heart condition causes very severe symptoms, or if you have other health issues that seriously limit what you can do physically, you might not be suitable. We also can't include people who have memory problems that would make it hard to understand the study, or if there's a significant language barrier.
Because this program is 'virtual', you’ll also need to have access to the internet or a telephone to take part from home. If you don't have these, unfortunately, you wouldn't be able to join this study.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- I am attending the TAVI clinic at the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre.
- I can understand information about the study and agree to take part.
- I don't have very severe heart symptoms that stop me from daily activities.
- I don't have severe physical limitations that prevent light activity.
- I don't have memory problems that would make it hard to understand the study.
- I have access to the internet or a telephone at home.
What does participation involve?
The detailed information about what taking part involves is not fully provided here. However, based on the summary, if you join this study, it would involve a 'virtual PREHAB' program. This means you would receive support and guidance from a team of healthcare professionals (like a nurse, physiotherapist, and dietician) remotely, from your own home. This would likely involve exercises, nutritional advice, and other health-related activities. These would happen before your TAVI operation. The study aims to see if this sort of remote preparation is beneficial, so it would involve assessments of your health and fitness before and after the 'PREHAB' program, and also after your TAVI operation. The total duration of your participation would cover the period leading up to your TAVI and then your recovery from it.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Nova Scotia HealthVerified postcodeHalifax, Canada· Recruiting
Common questions
What is TAVI?
TAVI is a procedure to replace a narrowed heart valve with a new one. It's often used for older patients or those who are too frail for traditional open-heart surgery.
What is 'PREHAB'?
PREHAB stands for pre-habilitation. It's like getting fit or preparing your body before a big event, in this case, before your TAVI operation.
Why is it 'virtual' PREHAB?
It's virtual because you’d do the program from your home, using online tools or phone calls, instead of having to travel to a clinic each time.
Who will be helping me?
You'll be supported by a team of healthcare professionals who usually care for TAVI patients, such as a nurse, physiotherapist, and dietician.
Will this delay my TAVI operation?
The study aims to improve your health before your operation, not to delay it. In fact, it hopes to support you during the waiting period.
How to find out more
Scott Kehler, PhD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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