The South Eastern HSC Trust is testing innovative heart failure technology
South Eastern Trust patients with heart failure, could benefit from new research exploring how their care can be monitored effectively in their own home.
The Trust is one of 15 hospitals across the UK, taking part in ‘Heart Failure At Home’, a research study looking at how innovative technology can help improve outcomes for patients living with the chronic condition.
South Eastern Trust Clinical Research Nurse, Karen Dobbin explained how the study is evaluating a ‘Heartfelt’ device, a home-based ‘footscanner’ that uses imaging technology to measure changes in foot and lower leg volumes of fluid.
These measurements can identify build-up, often one of the earliest signs that heart failure is worsening. The device works passively, requiring no additional action from patients as part of their daily routine.
Karen explained how the device is designed for patients who would prone to having swelling in their legs and that it is to help recognise symptoms early.
She added: “The machine is installed into a patient’s bedroom and whenever they sit at the edge of their bed, it will automatically scan from their knees down to their feet to take a measurement, it will then know if there has been a change in the swelling of the legs.
“If significant fluid retention is detected, Healthcare Teams will receive an alert, enabling earlier intervention.
“The research study and trial of this device, is about trying to keep patients out of hospital as we best we can and help our patients stay well for longer.”
