Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Artificial Intelligence Stress Echo (FINESSE) Project

The FINESSE project is studying adults (18+) from Milton Keynes University Hospital who had a special heart scan called a stress echo because of chest pain. Researchers are using existing heart scan reports and other health information, like blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking habits, from about 3,000 previous patients. They want to see if smart computer programs (Artificial Intelligence) can combine all this information to better predict who might have serious heart problems in the future, such as a heart attack, stroke, or need for heart surgery. The study also hopes to find out which patients might benefit most from further heart tests or treatments like stents.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

2,281

Start

07 Jun 2019

Estimated completion

01 Oct 2028

Coronary Artery Disease Chest Pain Myocardial Ischemia Angina Pectoris Myocardial Infarction (MI)

What is this study about?

The FINESSE project is an important study using information from people who have had a special heart test called a "dobutamine stress echocardiogram" (often shortened to stress echo) at Milton Keynes University Hospital. This test helps doctors look at your heart's health, especially when you have chest pain that might be related to your heart.

The main idea behind this study is to see if we can get even better at predicting serious heart problems. The researchers are using smart computer programs, sometimes called Artificial Intelligence, to look at your existing stress echo results alongside other health details from your hospital records. This includes things like your blood pressure, whether you have diabetes, if you smoke, and any medicines you take. By combining all this information, they hope to figure out more accurately who is at higher risk of future heart problems, like a heart attack or stroke, or needing heart surgery.

This study is important because if we can better predict these outcomes, doctors can make more informed decisions about your care. It could help them decide who needs more tests or treatments sooner, potentially preventing serious issues down the line. It will also help us understand which parts of a stress echo and which personal health details are most useful for predicting these heart-related risks.

Key takeaways

Researchers are using existing heart scan results (stress echo) and health records.
The study aims to use smart computer programs (AI) to better predict heart problems.
It hopes to identify patients who might benefit most from further heart treatments.
No new tests, visits, or procedures are required for this study from past patients.
Information from about 3,000 previous patients from Milton Keynes University Hospital will be used.
This research could help doctors make better decisions for future heart patients.

Who may be eligible?

This study looks at information from people who have already had a dobutamine stress echocardiogram at Milton Keynes University Hospital. To be included, the person must have been 18 years or older when they had their stress echo, and the test must have been done because they had chest pain or doctors suspected coronary artery disease (a condition where the heart's blood supply is blocked or narrowed).

The hospital must also have a usable report of their stress echo test for the researchers to look at, and it must be possible to link their records to their health outcomes over time using routine hospital systems. If someone had registered a "National Data Opt-out," meaning they didn't want their confidential patient information used for research, their data would not be included.

Quick self-check

I was 18 years old or older when I had my heart scan.
My heart scan (dobutamine stress echo) was done at Milton Keynes University Hospital.
I had the scan because of chest pain or suspected heart artery issues.
I have not previously opted out of my health information being used for research nationally.

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

If your past medical records are used in this study, you won't need to do anything extra. You won't have any additional hospital visits, appointments, or tests. The researchers will simply look at the information already stored in your past stress echo reports and other routine hospital records. In some cases, if the researchers can't find all the information they need about your health from your hospital records (for example, if you moved away), they might look at other sources like your GP records, or, if absolutely necessary and appropriate, contact you. This would only be to confirm past health events and not to ask you to participate in any new tests or appointments.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no direct risks for people whose data is used in this study, as you will not be involved directly or asked to undergo any procedures. The study solely uses existing, anonymised or de-identified data. You also won't receive any direct personal benefits from your records being used, but your information could help improve how doctors predict and treat heart conditions for many others in the future. You have the right to have your data excluded from research if you have previously made a National Data Opt-out.

Locations (1)

Milton Keynes University Hospital
Milton Keynes, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is a 'stress echo'?

A stress echo is a special heart scan that looks at how your heart works under stress, often by using a medicine called Dobutamine. It helps doctors see if your heart is getting enough blood.

What does 'Artificial Intelligence' mean in this study?

It means computer programs that are designed to learn from large amounts of data. In this study, they'll learn from your heart scan results and health details to predict future heart problems more accurately.

Will I have to go for extra check-ups or tests if my data is used?

No, absolutely not. This study only uses information that has already been collected from past hospital visits. You will not be asked to attend any extra appointments or have any new tests.

Is my personal information safe?

The researchers will be very careful with your information. They will be using existing records and will follow strict rules to protect your privacy and ensure your data is handled securely.

What is the study hoping to find out?

The study wants to learn if combining stress echo results with other hospital record information can better predict who might have serious heart events like a heart attack, stroke, or need for heart surgery in the future.