Smart Textile ECG Monitoring
This study is testing a new way to monitor your heart called the Skiin chest band. It's a special piece of clothing with tiny sensors that can record your heart's electrical signals, similar to an ECG. This helps doctors understand conditions like irregular heartbeats. You'll wear the Skiin band for 14 days and use a smartphone app to log any symptoms you experience, like a fluttering heart or feeling tired. The information gathered will be used to develop better tools for detecting and predicting heart problems. This research aims to make heart monitoring easier and more comfortable for patients.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This research study is looking into a new and comfortable way to keep an eye on your heart's electrical activity, which is also known as an electrocardiogram or ECG. You might have had an ECG in a hospital before, where sticky pads are placed on your chest. This study uses a something much more discreet: a special chest band, called Skiin, that has tiny sensors built right into the fabric.
You'll wear the Skiin chest band for two weeks as part of your normal daily life. The band is designed to record your heart's signals continuously. You'll also get a smartphone with a special app called the Skiin Connected Life Application. This app helps you easily record any symptoms you feel, such as your heart fluttering, feeling out of breath, tired, dizzy, or even fainting. This helps the researchers connect what your heart is doing with how you are feeling.
The main goal of this study is to gather information that will help doctors develop even smarter ways to spot and predict heart problems in the future. By using comfortable, everyday clothing to monitor your heart, the hope is to make checking your heart's health much simpler and less noticeable for people who need it.
Key takeaways
- A new chest band, Skiin, will monitor your heart's electrical activity.
- You'll wear the band for 14 days and use a phone app to track symptoms.
- The goal is to develop better tools for finding and predicting heart problems.
- This study uses comfortable, smart clothing for heart monitoring.
- It's suitable for people referred for a 14-day heart monitor by their doctor.
Who may be eligible?
To be able to join this study, you would need to have been referred by your doctor to a specific heart clinic called Partners in Advanced Cardiac Evaluation (PACE Cardiology) because they think you might benefit from a 14-day ECG monitor. You also need to be able to speak and understand English well enough to understand what's involved and agree to take part.
There are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join this study. If you are under 18 years old or are pregnant, you won't be able to participate. Also, if you have certain types of implanted heart devices, like a pacemaker or a defibrillator, this study wouldn't be suitable for you. If a Skiin chest band doesn't fit you properly, or if you have an open cut or dressing on your chest where the band needs to sit, you also wouldn't be able to take part.
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.
- Has your doctor referred you for a 14-day heart monitor?
- Do you understand and speak English well?
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Do you NOT have a pacemaker or other implanted heart device?
- Do you NOT have an open wound or dressing on your chest?
- Are you NOT pregnant?
What does participation involve?
If you join this study, you will wear the Skiin chest band for 14 days. You’ll also be given a smartphone with a special app installed. You’ll use this app to record any symptoms you might feel, such as a fast heartbeat or feeling tired, during the two weeks you wear the band. There are no special medications to take or extra clinic visits as part of this study beyond what your doctor has already prescribed. The total time you would be actively involved in the study is the 14 days you are wearing the monitor and logging symptoms.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Partners in Advanced Cardiac Evaluation (PACE) Cardiology ClinicVerified postcodeNewmarket, Canada· Recruiting
Common questions
What is the Skiin chest band?
It's a regular-looking garment, like a chest band, that has tiny sensors woven into the fabric to record your heart's electrical signals (ECG).
Why do I need to use a phone app?
The app on the smartphone helps you record any symptoms you feel, like your heart fluttering, which helps the study team understand your heart activity better.
How long will I wear the chest band?
You will wear the Skiin chest band for a continuous period of 14 days.
Will this study replace my usual doctor visits?
No, this study is in addition to your regular medical care and recommendations from your doctor. It will not replace any of your usual appointments or treatments.
What happens with the information they collect?
The information helps researchers create new computer programs and tools to better detect and predict heart health issues for patients in the future.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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