Virtual Ward-Assisted Very earLy dIschArge of Low-rIsk STEMI patieNTs: the VALIANT-STEMI Trial
This study, called VALIANT-STEMI, is exploring a new way to care for certain heart attack patients (specifically those with a type called STEMI) who are considered low risk after successful treatment. Currently, observational studies suggest it might be safe for some patients to go home after just 24 hours and have their recovery followed up by telephone. This new trial aims to properly test this idea. Half of the eligible patients will receive standard care, while the other half will go home early and be monitored by a 'virtual ward' team over the phone. The main goal is to see if early discharge affects their chances of being readmitted to hospital or dying within 30 days. If successful, this could mean shorter hospital stays, improved well-being for patients, and potential benefits for the NHS.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When someone has a certain type of heart attack called a STEMI, it usually means staying in hospital for a few days. Doctors always want to make sure patients are safe and recover well. This study is looking at whether it's safe for some patients who are considered 'low risk' to go home much sooner, sometimes even within 24 hours, after their initial life-saving treatment.
Imagine a 'virtual ward' as a team of healthcare professionals who look after you from a distance. If you're part of this study and go home early, this virtual ward team would keep in touch with you by telephone to check on your recovery. This trial wants to see if this approach is just as safe as staying in hospital for longer.
The main aim is to see if going home early with virtual care affects how many people need to come back to hospital or if there are any other serious problems within 30 days of their heart attack. If this new approach proves to be safe and effective, it could help patients get back to their normal lives sooner, potentially feeling better at home, and could also help the NHS manage hospital beds more efficiently.
Key takeaways
- Tests early home discharge for some heart attack patients.
- Patients get monitored remotely by a 'virtual ward' team.
- Compares early discharge with standard hospital stay.
- Aims to improve patient comfort and hospital efficiency.
- Looks at readmissions or serious problems within 30 days.
Who may be eligible?
To be considered for this study, you would need to have had a specific type of heart attack (STEMI) and have successfully received a procedure to open up the blocked blood vessel in your heart.
The doctors will also look at a special score (called the Zwolle score) that helps them decide if your heart attack was 'low risk'. You shouldn't have any other serious health issues that need hospital treatment at the same time, and you need to be generally well enough to go home, with support available there.
You wouldn't be able to join if you were seriously unwell when you came to the hospital, have a very weak heart (ejection fraction less than 40%), had serious irregular heartbeats, or if you don't have support at home or can't use simple monitoring equipment. Other reasons could include having a heart attack outside of the hospital, or new kidney problems.
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.
- Did I have a STEMI heart attack that was successfully treated?
- Am I generally considered low risk by my doctors?
- Do I have support at home for an early discharge?
- Am I able to use simple home monitoring equipment if needed?
- Do I want to take part and follow instructions?
What does participation involve?
If you join this study, your involvement would begin after you've had your heart attack treatment. You would be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group would receive the usual hospital care, meaning you'd stay in hospital for the standard amount of time. The other group would be discharged from the hospital much earlier, potentially within 24 hours.
If you're in the early discharge group, you would then be cared for by a 'virtual ward' team. This mainly involves telephone check-ups and monitoring from the team to make sure you're recovering well at home. The study would then follow your progress for 30 days after your heart attack, to see how you're doing and if you need to come back to hospital for any reason.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS TrustVerified postcodeLeeds, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is a 'STEMI' heart attack?
A STEMI is a very serious type of heart attack where one of the major arteries supplying your heart with blood is completely blocked.
What does 'early discharge' mean?
Early discharge means going home from the hospital sooner than usual, potentially within 24 hours of your heart attack treatment.
What is a 'virtual ward'?
A virtual ward is like having a hospital team caring for you at home, mainly through telephone calls, instead of physically being in hospital.
How long would I be involved for?
The study would follow your progress for up to 30 days after your heart attack.
Will I still get good medical care if I go home early?
Yes, if you go home early, you will be carefully monitored by a 'virtual ward' team who will be in regular contact with you by telephone.
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
Community discussion
Powered by our forum at community.patient.info. Please be respectful — this is not medical advice.