Exploring if Patients Can Safely and Easily Swab Their Own Surgical Wounds at Home
This study wants to find out if people who've had heart surgery can safely and easily take samples (swabs) from their surgical wounds at home. The main goal is to see if these home samples are good enough to check for germs that could cause infections. Researchers also want to know if patients find it easy to do and if it could save money. If successful, this approach might mean fewer hospital visits for wound checks and help keep an eye on your recovery after heart surgery. Taking part involves doing a home swab while a nurse watches online and sharing your thoughts about the process.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Imagine you've had heart surgery, and you're recovering at home. Your surgical wound needs to heal well, and sometimes there's a worry about infections. Normally, checking for an infection might involve a trip back to the hospital so a nurse or doctor can take a sample from your wound. This study, called 'Exploring if Patients Can Safely and Easily Swab Their Own Surgical Wounds at Home', is looking for a new way to do this.
The main idea is to see if you could take a wound sample yourself, right in your own home. This is called 'self-swabbing'. Researchers want to find out if the samples you take are good enough for the hospital lab to test properly. They also want to know if you find it easy to do, if it feels safe, and if it could be a good, affordable way to keep an eye on your wound healing. If this works, it could make checking for infections much more convenient for people who have had heart surgery.
This study is open to adults aged 18 and over who have had heart surgery through their chest. It's happening at Harefield Hospital in London and the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton. Your feedback is really important, as it will help researchers understand if self-swabbing is a good option for future patients.
Key takeaways
- This study explores self-swabbing for heart surgery wound monitoring at home.
- It aims to see if home swabs are effective and easy for patients.
- Participation involves a supervised video call for swabbing and a short interview.
- It could potentially make wound checks more convenient and cost-effective.
- Your feedback is crucial for developing better patient care in the future.
Who may be eligible?
To be part of this study, you need to be at least 18 years old and have recently had heart surgery that involved a cut down the centre of your chest (a central chest wound). Your wound should be closed, meaning it's not open or showing deep tissues or implants. You'll also need to be well enough to be at home or in a care home, and willing to give your approval 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.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Have you recently had heart surgery with a closed wound on your chest?
- Are you currently at home or in a care home?
- Are you willing to follow instructions and participate in a video call?
- Do you have access to a device for video calls (like a smartphone or computer with internet)?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to join this study, you won't need to visit the hospital for extra appointments. Instead, you'll receive a special kit with clear instructions on how to take a swab from your wound at home. These instructions were created with other patients and medical experts to make them easy to follow.
Then, a research nurse will watch you (or a carer if they are helping you) do the self-swabbing during a short video call, like on Microsoft Teams. This helps them see if the instructions are clear and easy to follow. You'll also have a short chat (interview) afterwards to share your thoughts and experiences about the process. Finally, you'll send your completed swab to the hospital lab for testing. The study won't involve any medication and the total time commitment will be for a short period around the actual swabbing.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (2)
- Royal Sussex County HospitalVerified postcodeBrighton, United Kingdom· Not yet recruiting
- Harefield HospitalVerified postcodeHarefield, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is a 'wound swab'?
A wound swab is a small sample taken from your wound with a soft stick, like a cotton bud, to check for germs that might cause infection.
Do I have to do this study?
No, taking part in any study is completely your choice. Your decision will not affect your medical care.
What kind of heart surgery do I need to have had?
You need to have had heart surgery that involved a cut down the centre of your chest, often called a median sternotomy, and your wound should be closed.
Will I get my swab results?
The study's main goal is to see if home swabs work. Your individual results will contribute to the study's findings, but the study is not set up to give personal results back straight away for your individual care.
What if I experience pain or problems during the study?
You will have clear contact information for the research team. If you have any concerns or problems, you should contact them immediately or seek medical advice as normal.
How to find out more
Melissa Rochon
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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