The PneumoRator Study
The PneumoRator study is testing a new, small device designed to stick to your chest and accurately measure your breathing rate. Currently, there isn't a good machine to do this automatically in many hospital settings, so staff often count breaths manually, which can be time-consuming and less precise. By constantly monitoring breathing, doctors hope to spot patients getting unwell sooner, allowing for quicker treatment. This study will attach the PneumoRator to patients having major operations, comparing its readings to existing methods. They'll also ask patients about their experience to ensure the device is comfortable. The goal is to show the device works well, helping it become approved for wider use in hospitals.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Healthcare professionals regularly check vital signs like heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, and oxygen levels to understand how a patient is doing. While machines now commonly measure most of these, breathing rate is often still counted by hand. This takes up staff time and isn't always perfectly accurate, as breathing can change constantly, and checks are usually only done every few hours.
Researchers at the University of Southampton have developed a small device called the 'PneumoRator.' It's designed to stick comfortably to your chest and measure your breathing wirelessly. This study aims to test the PneumoRator on patients in a hospital setting for the first time. They will attach the device to patients undergoing major operations, comparing its measurements to current, established methods, including a special way to measure breathing (called capnography) and manual counting by staff. They also want to understand how the device performs at different stages of a patient's recovery, from being asleep during surgery to waking up and moving to a high-dependency ward.
The main goal of this research is to see if the PneumoRator is an accurate and comfortable way to measure breathing rate. If successful, this device could help doctors detect changes in a patient's condition earlier, potentially leading to faster treatment and better outcomes. The study will also gather feedback from patients about their experience wearing the device, which is important for future improvements and getting it approved for use in more hospitals.
Key takeaways
- Tests a new, small device called the PneumoRator.
- Aims to accurately measure breathing rate in hospital patients.
- Could help detect patient illness earlier.
- Involves patients having major operations.
- Seeks feedback on device comfort.
- Could improve future patient monitoring in hospitals.
Who may be eligible?
To be considered for this study, you would need to be 18 years old or over and be able to understand and agree to take part. You must be scheduled for a big operation that requires you to stay in the hospital for at least a couple of days afterwards, including a stay in a surgical high dependency unit.
There are certain reasons why you might not be able to join the study. For example, if you are under 18, or if you can't give your consent. Also, if you have allergies to medical sticky tape or have delicate skin where the device would be placed, it might not be suitable for you. If you have any electronic medical implants, like a pacemaker, you would also not be able to participate for safety reasons. The research team will carefully review your health to make sure joining the study is safe for you.
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 over?
- Are you scheduled for a major operation with a few days' hospital stay afterwards?
- Will you be staying in a high dependency unit after your surgery?
- Do you have any electronic medical implants (like a pacemaker)?
What does participation involve?
If you choose to take part, the small PneumoRator device will be gently attached to your chest before your operation. It will stay on for the first few days after your surgery. During this time, the device will silently collect information about your breathing. The study team will also be looking at other information already collected as part of your normal hospital care. You won't need to take any extra medication for the study, and there won't be any additional hospital visits beyond your normal surgical care. The researchers will also ask you about your experience wearing the device and if you had any issues. The total duration of your participation will be limited to the time you have the device attached after your operation.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- University Hospital Southampon NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeSouthampton, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is the PneumoRator device?
It's a small device that sticks to your chest to continuously measure your breathing rate wirelessly.
Why is this study important?
It helps test a new way to monitor breathing that could allow doctors to spot patients getting unwell sooner, potentially leading to faster treatment.
Will the device be uncomfortable?
The researchers want it to be comfortable, and they will ask participants for feedback on their experience wearing it.
How long will I wear the device?
You'll wear it for the first few days after your major operation, while you're recovering in the hospital.
Will taking part affect my medical care?
No, your medical care will not be affected whether you choose to participate or not, or if you decide to withdraw from the study.
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.