SYNC-EDU Version 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
SYNCope EDUcation for patients during tilt-table tests
IRAS ID
219916
Contact name
Phang Boon Lim
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 5 months, 28 days
Research summary
Vasovagal syncope, known as fainting, leads to loss of consciousness through low blood pressure and a slow heart rate. The mechanism behind syncope remains poorly understood. Certain types of medications are used to treat vasovagal syncope, however, none of these medications are particularly effective at preventing it and many people continue to have fainting episodes despite trying different medications.
Tilt-table testing is an important test used in syncope clinic to reproduce syncope. The most common indication for tilt-table testing is to confirm a diagnosis of syncope in patients whom this diagnosis has been suspected but not confirmed. The type of response to tilt-testing could guide patient management. Majority of patients with syncope will usually only need reassurance regarding the benign nature of the condition. Patient education plays a key role in this setting and this includes avoidance of triggering factors, increase in fluid intake, special exercises and physical maneuvers.
In our study, we will compare the efficacy of patient education led by specialist nurse during tilt-table tests compared to mobile technology enabled education. Patients are given questionnaires before and after the tilt-table tests to assess their understanding of syncope and also to score their syncope severity. We would like to assess efficacy of incorporating mobile technology-enabled patient education at reducing recurrences of syncope.
REC name
London - Westminster Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/LO/1441
Date of REC Opinion
28 Aug 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion