Understanding conversations in heart failure - Version 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding prognostic conversations between healthcare professionals and patients with heart failure: A conversation analytic study.
IRAS ID
341817
Contact name
Sarah Yardley
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London (UCL)
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Z6364106/2024/07/119, UCL Data Protection Number
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 4 months, 29 days
Research summary
Background: Heart failure is a condition where the heart is unable to pump blood around the body efficiently. Studies show people with heart failure want to know how it will affect their daily lives and what may happen in the future. However, such conversations do not happen very often and may not be well handled. This may mean that patients are unable to fully prepare for their future.
Aim of the research: This research explores the experiences patients and healthcare professionals have of heart failure care. The aim of this study is to learn from conversations between patients and their doctors or nurses so we can develop better communication training.
Methods: This is a conversation analysis study using audio-recordings of real-life conversations between doctors or nurses and patients with heart failure in hospital, in clinic, or in patients’ homes. It is estimated that 100 recordings will be required to obtain 15 relevant sequences of talk. To capture an evaluation of the conversation, patients will complete the modified Doctor’s Interpersonal Skills Questionnaire (mDISQ) and healthcare professionals will complete a healthcare professional evaluation (HCPE). If further exploration of patients’ views is required, a subset will be invited for further interview. It will take approximately 12 months to complete data collection.
Involving patients and carers: This research is supported by a patient and public involvement (PPI) group. They have reviewed the study protocol and participant documents. They have also co-written elements of the questionnaire.
Dissemination and impact: Findings can inform communication guidelines, training, and interventions. Dissemination will occur through collaboration with the PPI group, and submission of three manuscripts to peer-review journals and two abstracts to international conferences. Patient-facing organisations will be engaged to support dissemination.
REC name
South Central - Oxford C Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/SC/0389
Date of REC Opinion
6 Jan 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion