V-CARE (Virtual Care After REsuscitation)
The V-CARE study aims to help people who have had an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (when the heart suddenly stops working) and their families. After leaving the hospital, survivors can face challenges with their mood, memory, and getting back to normal life. This study wants to find out the best ways to help with recovery. It compares a new online support group, which offers education and advice, with a digital information leaflet. The researchers will check how practical these ideas are and if people find them helpful. The goal is to see which approach works better to improve their health, happiness, and ability to manage their own care after such a serious event.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When someone has a sudden heart stop outside of hospital, it's a very serious event. Even though many survivors recover well enough to leave hospital, they often face ongoing challenges. These can include difficulties with memory or thinking clearly, feeling down or anxious, and struggling to get back to their usual daily activities, including work.
At the moment, we don't know enough about the best ways to support these survivors and their families as they recover at home. This study, called V-CARE, is looking into new ideas to help. It's comparing two different approaches: one is an online group that offers support and education, and the other is a digital leaflet full of information.
The main goal is to see if these new ways of providing support are practical and helpful for survivors and their families. The study wants to understand which method makes the biggest difference to their quality of life, how happy they are with the care they receive, and their ability to manage their own health and recovery.
Key takeaways
- The study helps people who survived a heart stop outside hospital.
- It tests online support groups versus an information leaflet.
- The aim is to improve mood, thinking, and daily life after recovery.
- Family members are also an important part of this research.
- It helps us understand the best ways to support recovery at home.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you would need to have been part of another specific study called STEPCARE. You would also need to have a Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 3 or less when you had your check-up 30 days after your cardiac arrest. This scale helps doctors understand how well you can manage your daily activities.
On the other hand, you wouldn't be able to join if you have a diagnosis of dementia that might stop you from taking part in the online sessions or completing the study tasks. This would be decided by a doctor or based on what you or your family say.
Also, if you have a severe mental health condition that would make it hard for you to participate, you wouldn't be eligible. Again, this would be based on a doctor's assessment.
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.
- I was part of the STEPCARE trial.
- My 30-day check-up after my heart stop showed I was managing my daily activities reasonably well (mRS score of 3 or less).
- I haven't been diagnosed with dementia that would stop me from joining online sessions.
- I don't have a severe mental health condition that would stop me from taking part.
What does participation involve?
Information about what taking part involves is not fully detailed here. However, based on the brief summary, it suggests you would either be part of a 'virtual psychoeducational group intervention' or receive a 'digital information booklet'. This implies you would either participate in online group sessions that offer support and education, or you would be given an electronic booklet with information. The study aims to evaluate how practical these interventions are and if people like using them. The total duration of participation and specific assessment visits are not mentioned in this summary but would typically be explained in more detail if you were considering joining.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Essex Cardiothoracic CentreVerified postcodeBasildon, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is an 'out-of-hospital cardiac arrest'?
It's when your heart suddenly stops beating outside of a hospital, often meaning blood flow to the brain and other organs stops too.
What does 'virtual care' mean?
Virtual care means getting support or information online, without needing to visit a hospital or clinic in person. It could be through video calls or online materials.
Why include family members in the study?
Family members often play a big role in supporting survivors and they also go through their own difficult experiences after a cardiac arrest, so their recovery and support are important too.
What kind of 'challenges' do survivors face?
Survivors might find it hard to concentrate, remember things, feel anxious or depressed, or struggle to get back to their normal routines and work.
Will this study recommend a new treatment?
No, this study is looking at how practical and helpful the care ideas are. It won't recommend a treatment, but its findings could help shape future support for survivors.
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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