D:REACH-HF
Funded research projectD:REACH-HF: Improving the Usability, Accessibility, and Inclusivity of Digital Dyadic Cardiac Rehabilitation for People Living with Heart Failure
Research lead
Project core team
Dr Julia Frost
Professor Colin Greaves
Hugh Kelly
Kirit Mistry
Dr Shruti Raghuraman
Dr Ben Sieniewicz
Dr Jane Smith
Hub Research theme
Care outside the hospital
Hub Researcher(s) in Residence
Emily Nielsen
Matthew Wragg
Background
Heart failure is a serious condition affecting millions worldwide, leading to high rates of illness, hospitalisations, and death. Patients from ethnic minorities are disproportionately affected, more frequently experiencing hospitalisations and deaths. Cardiac rehabilitation is proven to improve quality of life and reduce hospital visits. However, participation rates remain low, especially among South Asian patients despite their increased need for such care.
Intended outcomes
The REACH-HF programme, currently used in the NHS, offers a home-based alternative to traditional, hospital-based rehabilitation. It includes paper manuals, exercise DVDs, and support from health professionals, involving both patients and caregivers.
Dr van Beurden’s team developed a digital version called D:REACH-HF. An initial study revealed challenges in usability for patients, caregivers, and health professionals. Also, South Asian participants were underrepresented in the development and testing phases.
This project aims to improve D:REACH-HF by making it easier to use and more suitable for patients from diverse ethnic backgrounds. The team will focus on enhancing support for older patients and their caregivers, and ensuring the platform better assists health professionals in delivering the programme. The project will include collaboration with patients and health professionals to ensure the technology meet their needs.