EMUs: Enhanced Monitoring Using Sensors After Surgery
This study, called EMUs, is investigating whether small, wearable sensors can help doctors and nurses quickly identify if a patient is becoming unwell after surgery. It's common for patients to have problems after an operation, and spotting these changes early can make a big difference to their recovery. The sensors measure important things like heart rate and oxygen levels. Researchers want to see if the information from these sensors can be used to create an early warning system. They also want to make sure the sensors are easy for patients and healthcare staff to use. This particular part of the study just involves collecting data, so it won't change the care patients receive during the study itself. The goal is to design better ways to keep patients safe after surgery in the future.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Imagine you've had surgery, and you're recovering. While nurses and doctors keep a close eye on you, sometimes the small signs that someone is becoming unwell can be hard to spot immediately. This study, called EMUs (which stands for Enhanced Monitoring Using Sensors After Surgery), is looking into whether clever little wearable sensors could help. These sensors are designed to constantly measure important things like your heart rate and how much oxygen is in your blood.
The main idea is to see if the information collected by these sensors can help us understand when a patient might be starting to get sick after an operation. Right now, this is an 'observational study'. This means the sensors are just watching and recording data; they won't change the care you receive immediately. The sensors are worn on your chest and finger before, during, and after your surgery for up to ten days.
The information gathered will be used to develop new ways to predict potential problems earlier. If these sensors prove to be good at recognising subtle changes, they could one day become a valuable tool for healthcare teams, helping them to act quickly if a patient's condition starts to worsen. This could lead to safer recoveries for many patients undergoing surgery in the future in hospitals across many countries, including the UK.
Key takeaways
- This study uses wearable sensors to monitor patients after surgery.
- The goal is to spot early signs of a patient becoming unwell.
- Sensors track heart rate and oxygen levels, among other things.
- Your normal medical care won't change if you participate.
- The data helps design better future warning systems.
- Participation is for adults having a major operation.
Who may be eligible?
To be part of this study, you need to be an adult, aged 18 or older. You'll also be having a major operation, which means a planned cut of 5 centimetres or more. This surgery could be for different reasons, whether it's something routine or more serious, or even due to an injury.
It's very important that you fully understand what the study involves and are happy to give your written permission to take part. If you have a known allergy to sticky dressings, or if you are pregnant, unfortunately, you won't be able to join this study.
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 older?
- Are you having a major surgery (a planned cut of 5cm or more)?
- Are you able to understand the study and agree to take part in writing?
- Are you NOT pregnant?
- Do you NOT have an allergy to sticky dressings?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you will wear small, wireless sensors on your chest and finger. You'll put them on before your operation, keep them on during surgery, and then for up to 10 days afterwards while you recover in the hospital. These sensors will quietly record vital signs like your heart rate and oxygen levels. This is a monitoring study, so the sensors just collect information. This means your doctors and nurses won't see this sensor data during your hospital stay, and your normal care will continue as planned. There are no extra hospital visits or medication changes involved. The total duration of your participation will be from before your surgery until up to 10 days after, or until you go home, whichever comes first.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (17)
- Hopital de Zone Atlantique OuidahVerified postcodeOuidah, Benin· Recruiting
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Departemental Borgou-AliboriVerified postcodeParakou, Benin· Recruiting
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Mere Enfant LaguneVerified postcodeCotonou, Benin· Recruiting
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire et Departemental Oueme PlateauVerified postcodePorto-Novo, Benin· Recruiting
- Berekum Holy Family HospitalVerified postcodeBerekum, Ghana· Recruiting
- Techiman Holy Family HospitalVerified postcodeTechiman, Ghana· Recruiting
- Tamale Teaching HospitalVerified postcodeTamale, Ghana· Recruiting
- Hospital General San Juan de DiosVerified postcodeGuatemala City, Guatemala· Recruiting
- Lady Willingdon HospitalVerified postcodeManali, India· Recruiting
- Padhar HospitalVerified postcodePādhar, India· Recruiting
- Christian Medical College and HospitalVerified postcodeLudhiana, India· Recruiting
- Hospital Español de VeracruzVerified postcodeVeracruz, Mexico· Recruiting
Common questions
What kind of sensors will I wear?
You will wear small, wireless sensors on your chest and finger that record things like your heart rate and oxygen levels.
Will the sensors change my medical care?
No, this is an observational study. The sensors only collect data; your medical care will not be changed by taking part.
How long will I wear the sensors?
You will wear them from before your surgery, during the operation, and for up to 10 days after, or until you leave the hospital.
Who can take part in this study?
Adults aged 18 or over who are having a major operation and can give their written permission to join.
What happens to the information collected?
The information will be analysed to help design future early warning systems for patients after surgery. Your personal details will be kept private.
How to find out more
Ewen Harrison
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.