Testing a breathing app for patients in the emergency room
We're testing a new smartphone app called purpleDx at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge. This app uses your phone's camera to measure how you're breathing and your heart rate. We want to find out if it works just as well as the usual medical equipment doctors and nurses use. If the app proves to be accurate, it could offer a new way for healthcare professionals to keep an eye on people with breathing or heart conditions. This might help them get the right care earlier, and potentially avoid hospital stays. We're looking for adults aged 18 and over who come into the Emergency Department to take part.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is all about trying out a brand new smartphone app, called purpleDx, which measures important health signs like your breathing and heart rate. We want to see if this app, which uses your phone's camera, can do the job just as well as the traditional medical equipment that nurses and doctors use. Think of it like comparing a new, easy-to-use digital thermometer to an older, more complicated one – we want to know if the new one is just as accurate and reliable.
Why is this important? If this new app works well, it could change how doctors monitor patients with breathing problems or heart conditions. Imagine if doctors could use a simple app to quickly check your breathing and heart rate, which might help them understand your health situation sooner. This could mean getting treatment earlier, or even preventing a trip to the hospital, especially for conditions that can flare up suddenly.
We're asking adults who visit the Emergency Department at Addenbrooke's Hospital to help us. By taking part, you'll be contributing to research that could develop a useful new tool for healthcare in the future, making it easier and quicker to keep an eye on vital health signs.
Key takeaways
- Testing a smartphone app for breathing and heart rate measurements.
- Aims to compare app accuracy with standard hospital equipment.
- For adults aged 18+ in Addenbrooke's Emergency Department.
- Could improve future patient monitoring for breathing/heart conditions.
- Involves using the app and traditional tools, plus a short survey.
- No direct benefit to you, but helps medical progress.
Who may be eligible?
You might be able to take part if you are 18 years old or older and are visiting the Emergency Department at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge. You also need to be able to read and understand information in English and be comfortable signing a consent form.
There are a few reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you can’t sit up properly or if you are pregnant, you won't be able to take part. Also, if you have difficulty understanding instructions or are currently in prison, you unfortunately can’t 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.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Are you currently at Addenbrooke's Hospital Emergency Department?
- Can you read and understand information in English?
- Are you able to sit up for the measurements?
- Are you able to follow simple instructions?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you'll first be shown both the new smartphone app and the standard medical equipment. You'll use the app to measure your breathing for one minute, and at the same time, a nurse will count your breaths using traditional methods. This will be done three times. Next, a doctor or nurse will use a standard breathing machine (called a spirometer) to measure your breathing, also three times. Then, you'll use the new app again to measure your heart rate for one minute, while a nurse uses a standard heart rate monitor (a pulse oximeter) to check yours. This will also be repeated three times.
To help the app work best, a small marker will be taped to the back of each of your hands. Finally, you’ll answer seven quick questions in a questionnaire about your experience using the new app. The whole process will take a short amount of time during your visit to the Emergency Department.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustCity onlyCambridge, England
Common questions
What is the main goal of this study?
The study aims to see if a new smartphone app can measure breathing and heart rate as accurately as traditional hospital equipment.
Will I get paid for taking part?
No, there is no payment for taking part in this study.
What hospital is this study taking place at?
This study is happening at the Emergency Department at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge.
Are there any side effects from using the app?
The app uses your phone camera, so there are no expected side effects. There's a very low chance of a mild skin reaction to the tape used on your hands.
How long will my participation last?
Your participation will be during your visit to the Emergency Department and will involve a short series of measurements and a questionnaire.
How to find out more
Adrian Boyle
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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