MedlyPeds Feasibility Study
The MedlyPeds Feasibility Study is exploring a new smartphone app for children aged 8-18 with various heart conditions, such as heart failure, congenital heart disease, or those recovering from heart surgery. The app, called MedlyPeds, is designed to help doctors monitor these children remotely from home. This study aims to understand how useful the app is for different types of heart problems and to get feedback from patients, parents, and doctors. This information will help improve the app for future use, ensuring it can best support young patients and their families in managing their heart health.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Doctors at a children's hospital have created a new smartphone app called MedlyPeds. This app is designed to help keep an eye on children with heart conditions even when they are at home. It acts as a way for doctors to get important information about a child's health remotely, without them always needing to come into the hospital.
This study is a first step, often called a 'feasibility study'. It aims to find out if the MedlyPeds app is practical and helpful for children with different types of heart problems. Researchers will gather feedback from children, their parents, and heart specialists about what they like about the app and what could be improved. This feedback is really important because it will help make the app better and more useful for children in the future.
By taking part, families are helping to shape how technology can support children with heart conditions. The goal is to see which children might benefit most from using this kind of app for their care, potentially making it easier to manage their health from home.
Key takeaways
- Exploring a new smartphone app for children's heart health.
- Aimed at kids aged 8-18 with various heart conditions.
- Uses an app called MedlyPeds for home monitoring.
- Study lasts for three months.
- Your feedback helps improve future heart care for children.
- Participation is voluntary and can be stopped at any time.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for children and teenagers between 8 and 18 years old who are already seen at the Hospital for Sick Children Cardiology Clinic. To join, you would need to be able to use the MedlyPeds app, for example, by being able to use a special weight scale and answer questions about how you're feeling.
The study is for young people with various heart conditions, including heart failure, heart problems they were born with (congenital heart disease), heart problems that developed later (acquired heart disease like Kawasaki disease), high blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension), or those who have recently had heart surgery, including heart transplants.
However, you wouldn't be able to join if you can't read or write in English, or if you're already taking part in another study that might affect the results of this one.
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.
- Is my child between 8 and 18 years old?
- Is my child seen at the Hospital for Sick Children Cardiology Clinic?
- Does my child have a listed heart condition (e.g., heart failure, congenital heart disease, post-surgery)?
- Can my child read, write, and understand English?
- Is my child able to use an app, stand on a scale, and answer questions?
- Is my child not currently in another medical research study?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you and your child would use the MedlyPeds app for three months. You would continue to receive care from your usual heart clinic. At the beginning of the study and again after three months (or when you finish the study), you would complete some questionnaires. These questionnaires ask about your child's quality of life and your experience using the MedlyPeds app.
Some children, parents, and doctors involved in the study may also be asked to take part in a short interview at the end. This is a chance to share more detailed feedback about your experience with the app. Overall, the study involves using the app daily for three months and completing a few questionnaires.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- The Hospital for Sick ChildrenVerified postcodeToronto, Canada
Common questions
What is the MedlyPeds app?
It's a smartphone app designed to help doctors monitor children with heart conditions from home.
Who can join this study?
Children aged 8-18 with certain heart conditions, who are seen at the Hospital for Sick Children Cardiology Clinic and can use the app.
How long does the study last?
If you join, you would use the app and take part in the study for about three months.
Will using the app replace my child's regular doctor visits?
No, this app is designed to help monitor your child between visits, not replace their normal medical care.
What if we don't like the app or want to stop?
You can leave the study at any time, and it won't affect your child's medical care.
How to find out more
Diana Balmer-Minnes
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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