Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Effects of Telemonitoring on the Outcome of Heart Failure Patients After an Incidence of Acute Decompensation

This study is investigating a new smartphone app called Medly designed for people living with heart failure. Heart failure is a growing health concern, and this app aims to help people manage their condition better at home. The researchers want to find out if using Medly within two weeks of leaving the hospital can improve how people look after themselves, boost their quality of life, and improve their health. They also want to see if Medly can reduce the number of times people with heart failure need to go back into hospital within 30 days, without increasing emergency room visits or initial hospital stays. This study will involve providing participants with a smartphone and medical devices to monitor their health, with data sent automatically to the hospital.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University Health Network, Toronto

Enrolment target

Start

16 Nov 2018

Estimated completion

01 Jul 2026

Heart Failure

What is this study about?

Heart failure is a condition where your heart can't pump enough blood around your body. It's becoming more common, and doctors and researchers are always looking for better ways to help people live well with it. This study is testing a new approach using a smartphone app called Medly.

Medly is a clever system developed by a team of experts that lets you monitor your health from home. If you've been in hospital because your heart failure got worse, this study wants to see if using Medly shortly after you go home can make a real difference. They're hoping it will help you take better care of yourself, improve how you feel day-to-day, and generally make your health better in the long run.

A big goal of this study is to see if Medly can help prevent people from needing to return to hospital within 30 days of being discharged. This is often a stressful time for patients and their families. The researchers will also check if using Medly might lead to spending more time in hospital initially or more emergency visits, ensuring that any benefits don't come with unwanted downsides.

Key takeaways

This study evaluates smartphone app Medly for heart failure patients.
Medly aims to improve self-care and quality of life after hospital discharge.
It checks if Medly can reduce re-admissions to hospital.
Participants use a smartphone and home medical devices to monitor health.
Data is sent securely to the hospital for review by you and your doctors.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 or older who have recently been in hospital because their heart failure symptoms got worse and they stayed for at least two days. It's important that you can speak and read English well enough to understand the app and give your consent to take part. If you have someone who helps you, like a family member, they can assist with translating.

You also need to be able to use the Medly system. This means you should be able to stand on a weight scale and answer simple questions about your symptoms using the app. The study needs people who can actively participate in monitoring their health at home.

However, some people won't be able to join. This includes if you have a memory condition like dementia or a severe mental health issue that isn't being managed well. You also can't take part if you live in a long-term care home, if your doctor expects you to live for less than a year due to another serious illness, or if you need to go to an in-patient rehabilitation centre after leaving hospital. Also, if you're already in another medical study that might interfere with these results, you won't be eligible.

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.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Have you recently been in hospital for heart failure for more than 2 days?
Can you speak and read English well enough to use a smartphone app?
Can you use a weight scale and answer questions on a smartphone?
Do you *not* have severe memory problems or uncontrolled mental illness?
Are you *not* living in a care home or other long-term facility?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you'll be given a smartphone and some home medical gadgets, like a blood pressure machine and a weight scale. These devices will automatically send your measurements to the smartphone, which then securely sends the information to the hospital. Both you and your doctors will be able to see this information. If your measurements are outside the usual range, the system will send an alert.

The study team will track how you use the system and how your health changes over time. They'll also compare the results of people using Medly with those receiving standard care. Your participation will involve using the provided equipment as instructed and potentially taking part in interviews to share your experience. The exact duration of your involvement will be explained by the study team.

Potential risks and benefits

By taking part, you might find that using Medly helps you manage your heart failure better, improves your self-care, and enhances your quality of life. It could also potentially help reduce the chance of needing to go back to hospital frequently. While we don't expect major risks, there's always a small chance of technical issues with the devices or the app. All your personal data will be kept private and secure. Remember, participation is completely voluntary, and you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (3)

North York General Hospital
Approximate
North York, Canada
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Verified postcode
Toronto, Canada
Mount Sinai Hospital
Verified postcode
Toronto, Canada

Common questions

What is heart failure?

Heart failure means your heart isn't pumping blood as well as it should. It can make you feel tired or breathless.

What is the Medly app?

Medly is a smartphone app designed to help you monitor your heart failure symptoms and measurements (like weight and blood pressure) from home.

Will I get free medical devices?

Yes, if you join the study, you will be provided with a smartphone and home medical devices like a blood pressure monitor and weight scale.

Is my personal information safe?

All your health information collected by the Medly system will be stored securely and confidentially by the hospital.

Can I stop participating if I change my mind?

Yes, you can leave the study at any time without it affecting your medical care.