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Media Release

Hospital trial achieves significant health improvements for heart failure patients

Communications Teamby
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) is improving care for people living with heart failure across the East of England thanks to a clinical trial that has delivered faster, safer treatment.


Across the region, hospital readmissions for heart failure have been increasing. At The QEH, however, readmissions have gone down. This improvement is partly due to a research study led by the hospital’s cardiology team.


The study, which involved 60 patients over a two year period, was called the Streamlined Heart Failure Optimisation Protocol (SHORT) Trial. Designed by Dr Rudy Duehmke, Clinical Lead for Cardiology, it tested a faster and more efficient way of starting, adjusting and optimising heart failure medications.


For patients, this meant getting the right treatment sooner, with fewer trips to hospital. Many needed almost half the usual number of outpatient appointments. Instead of frequent face-to-face visits, the team used remote monitoring to keep track of important health measures such as blood pressure, weight, and kidney function.


The results of the SHORT Trial have now been published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology: Heart Failure.
Dr Duehmke explained: “By streamlining treatment and using remote monitoring of vital signs like blood pressure, weight, and kidney function, the trial has shown that heart failure patients can receive safe, effective and expedient care.”


Thanks to funding from Novartis, the trial was able to take place at The QEH and has proven highly successful, not only improving care but also easing pressure on hospital resources.


Building on the success of the SHORT Trial, the Cardiology Department has also now secured funding for four additional studies, all aimed at streamlining heart failure treatment pathways while maintaining cost efficiency.


Dr Rebecca Martin, Medical Director at The QEH, said: “This is fantastic news for our patients and our teams who have worked so hard to achieve this. The latest data shows that we are delivering the best possible service – seeing our patients quickly and efficiently while keeping them safe. These results reflect the dedication, skill, and commitment of our staff, who are always looking for better ways to deliver outstanding care for every patient.”


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Notes to editors; For media enquiries only, please contact Communications Team, media.enquiries@qehkl.nhs.uk or 01553 613216. For all other enquiries, please contact QEH Switchboard on 01553 613613.