NSTEACS Virtual Ward: MME v-01
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Virtual Ward for Non-ST Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome: a mixed methods evaluation
IRAS ID
343707
Contact name
Tooba Hamdani
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Queen Mary University of London
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Health economic evaluations are important for decision-making in healthcare, but current methods do not fully capture complexities of digital health interventions (DHIs). DHIs are digital products for diagnosing, preventing, and/or managing health conditions and may be used alongside other treatments. Examples: mobile applications, web-based tools, and wearable devices. Research in this area is needed as little is known about how to evaluate DHIs.
This study aims to use a case study to conduct a comprehensive health economic evaluation of a DHI. We will compare two approaches of monitoring patients diagnosed with Non-ST Elevation Coronary Artery Syndrome (NSTE-ACS), which is a type of heart problem where blood supply to heart is partially blocked. The patients are monitored while waiting for a heart test called coronary angiogram. This test allows care team to examine the blood vessels of heart for better diagnosis and treatment. Standard care pathway for monitoring while patient waits for their test involves face-to-face in-hospital monitoring of hospitalised patients, while ATLAS pathway uses a mobile app and daily phone calls from hospital team for remote monitoring of patient in their home. Patients report their daily health status via the app or over daily phone calls, enabling clinical team to intervene as needed.
Using mixed-methods approach, the study will begin with focus groups and interviews to identify key resources and outcomes involved in both pathways. This will help design and implement a comprehensive survey questionnaire. Quantitative data from surveys and hospital records will then be analysed to compare resource use, outcomes, and potential health inequalities between the two pathways which is important as factors like socioeconomic status, access to technology, and health literacy may influence how patients benefit from DHIs.
The research will be conducted at St. Bartholomew’s Hospital over 24 months, engaging patients, carers, and hospital care team members.REC name
South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/SW/0038
Date of REC Opinion
30 Apr 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion