PROSPECT - Prognosis prediction after enhanced or critical care
The PROSPECT study aims to understand why some patients get sick again after leaving intensive care (ICU). Every year in the UK, many people who have been in ICU need urgent care or are readmitted to hospital. This study will look at different health information, including data from small wearable monitors worn by patients, to identify those most at risk. The goal is to develop better ways for healthcare teams to predict who needs closer follow-up and support. By combining hospital records with data from these monitors, we hope to improve care for future ICU patients, helping them to stay well and avoid repeat hospital visits.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When someone leaves intensive care (ICU), it's a big step towards recovery. However, for some people, the journey isn't over, and they might become unwell again, sometimes needing to return to hospital. This can be a worrying time for patients and their families. The PROSPECT study wants to make this process safer and reduce the number of people who get sick or need hospital care again after leaving the ICU.
To do this, researchers will look at health information from patients. They're particularly interested in whether combining information from traditional hospital records with new types of data, such as that collected by small wearable devices, can give a clearer picture. These devices, similar to a smartwatch, can track things like heart rate and how active someone is. By collecting and understanding this information, the study aims to identify early warning signs that someone might be at higher risk of getting worse after leaving the ICU.
The main goal of PROSPECT is to help doctors and nurses make better decisions about which patients might need extra care or closer monitoring once they've left the ICU. Ultimately, this research hopes to improve the overall care and recovery for everyone who has been seriously ill, helping them to stay healthy and out of hospital in the long term.
Key takeaways
- Aims to improve aftercare for patients leaving intensive care (ICU).
- Uses wearable monitors and hospital records to predict who might get sick again.
- Participation involves wearing a small monitor for up to 28 days.
- Could help future ICU patients receive more tailored support.
- Risks are low, mainly minor discomfort from wearing a monitor.
Who may be eligible?
The PROSPECT study is looking for adults aged 18 or over. This includes people who have spent more than two days (48 hours) in an intensive care unit (ICU) and are now well enough to leave.
To take part, you need to be able to understand the study and agree to join, or have a family member or close friend who can agree for you if you're not well enough yourself. If you've previously said you don't want your health information shared for research, you won't be included in the part of the study that uses past hospital records.
Doctors or nurses involved in the study will be able to tell you if you fit all the requirements.
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 spent more than 48 hours in an intensive care unit (ICU)?
- Are you about to be discharged from the ICU?
- Can you, or someone representing you, understand and agree to take part?
- Have you not previously said you don't want your health records used for research?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in the PROSPECT study, you might be asked to wear a small monitoring device. This is a bit like a fitness tracker and is worn on your body. You would wear it for up to 14 days after you leave the intensive care unit (ICU) and then potentially for another 14 days after you leave the hospital and go home.
This device will quietly collect information about your health, such as your heart rate and how much you move around. You won't need to do anything specific with it. The study will also look at information already in your hospital records, alongside the data from the monitor. There are no extra hospital visits or medications involved in this study. The total duration of your active participation, if you wear a monitor, would be up to 28 days spread across your recovery.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustCity onlyOxford, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is an Intensive Care Unit (ICU)?
An ICU is a special hospital ward for people who are very seriously ill and need close medical attention, often with help from machines to support their breathing or other body functions.
What is a 'wearable monitor'?
It's a small device, similar to a smartwatch or fitness tracker, you wear on your body. It quietly collects information like your heart rate and how active you are.
Will I get my health information from the monitor?
The study focuses on using this information for research to improve care for future patients. You won't automatically get detailed reports from your monitor.
Who can see my health information?
Your personal health information will be kept private and secure. Only authorised study staff and researchers will be able to access it for research purposes.
Does taking part affect my usual treatment?
No, your decision to take part or not, or to leave the study at any point, will not affect the medical care you receive from your doctors and nurses.
How to find out more
Sarah Vollam
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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