PHYLLIS: Prevent from Home: Young women's cardiovascuLar heaLth Improvement feasibility Study
Start Date: March 2023
End Date: February 2026
Funder: National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Career Development Award (K. Bramham)
Heart attacks and strokes are leading preventable causes of death in the UK, disproportionately affecting ethnic minorities and socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals.
Women with pregnancy-related high blood pressure or diabetes face heightened risks, especially those from ethnic minority backgrounds. Early intervention could mitigate these risks, with new medications like SGLT2 inhibitors showing promise in preventing cardiovascular issues and kidney disease. However, their efficacy in averting high blood pressure and diabetes remains uncertain.
To address this, a clinical trial involving postpartum women is proposed, utilizing home-testing methods and support systems like ‘postpartum health champions’ and ‘study-buddies’. A feasibility study aims to address logistical challenges and ensure inclusivity, paving the way for larger-scale trials.
Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement
This proposal has been developed with support from South London ARC Public panel, South London Maternity Voices Partnerships, NIHR Renal Devices for Dignity, NIHR Research Design Service London, South London CRN Study Support Service & PPI Lead. Also from diverse PPI groups (ethnic minorities and low socioeconomic groups) who have experienced pregnancy complications and Rachel Musomba (Study PPI-lead). Gemma Poole of The Essential Baby Company has lead on patient and public involvement work to inform development of randomised controlled trial materials that meet the needs of diverse participant population.