Intersectionality and Diagnostic Delay for CHD following MHC
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Role of Intersectionality on the Diagnostic Delay of Coronary Heart Disease in Patients with a Pre-Existing Mental Health Condition.
IRAS ID
343468
Contact name
Katie Baker
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Essex
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 3 months, 1 days
Research summary
Although the association between mental health conditions (MHC) and coronary heart disease (CHD) has been investigated, we are still experiencing diagnostic delays . A greater understanding of how biases and delays in diagnosis might occur will enable us to think more about changes that could be implemented to reduce biases in both human, as well as future Artificial Intelligence diagnostic models for Coronary Heart Disease. The study aims to understand if and how certain demographic and personal factors, such as age, gender, and ethnicity, may contribute to delays in diagnosing CHD among people with mental health conditions. Additionally, it investigates how awareness of bodily signals, or "interoception," might affect diagnostic accuracy. Findings from this study could help improve diagnostic protocols in healthcare settings.
This will be investigated through completing clinical interviews with clinicians and patients, enquiring about experiences of diagnostic processes for coronary heart disease, as well as a critical appraisal of the existing diagnostic model. This data will be analysed using Thematic Analysis. Patients will also be asked to complete a Heart-Beat-Tracking task as a measure of interoceptive accuracy, in addition to psychometric assessments of cardiovascular risk and mental wellbeing. Although these are quantitative measures, they will be interpreted and categorised in order to be included in the qualitative thematic analysis.
The study will take place at a local NHS cardiology unit or at the University of Essex Campus, both sites in Colchester, Essex. Each participant will spend up to a maximum of one hour completing the study. It is estimated the time from recruitment of participants to the completion of study write up will be two years. Data obtained will be submitted for open access on completion of the study.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Sheffield Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/YH/0023
Date of REC Opinion
30 Jan 2025
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion