Humans of Health Research series - issue 10
The Imperial College Academic Health Science Centre (AHSC) has published the latest edition of ‘Humans of Health Research’, which highlights researchers and patients engaged in innovative healthcare research.
In this tenth edition, two cardiology researchers talk about trialing a new device called a Coronary Sinus Reducer to see if it improves angina, a type of chest pain:
- Dr Rasha Al-Lamee, clinical academic interventional cardiology consultant at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and clinical senior lecturer in the National Heart & Lung Institute
- Michael Foley, cardiology registrar at Imperial College Healthcare and a Medical Research Council clinical research training fellow at Imperial College London
Tony O’Donoghue is a participant in Dr Rasha Al-Lamee and Michael Foley’s research. He said: “I first developed a heart problem in 2015 and the cardiologists tried to stent my heart on many occasions but my artery was totally occluded and a stent couldn't be inserted.
"There was nothing open for me and the condition was having a real impact on my life. I struggled to get dressed or even tie my shoelaces. I was full of fear all the time, especially as I live alone.
“I was contacted about the ORBITA-COSMIC trial in 2021 and I thought I’d give it a go - I had nothing to lose and everything to gain. I had a range of tests which were two to three hours at the time. I then had a procedure where I was fitted with the Coronary Sinus Reducer device, in January 2022. After the procedure I found that I could do things like walk further up a hill and not get breathless, so that gave me hope.
"I would say to others interested in being part of a trial to go for it. You gain knowledge and you can help yourself and others. For me personally, I see my involvement in research as a way of making amends and to give back to our wonderful NHS.”
Physical exhibition
The AHSC has launched a roaming physical exhibition of the 'Humans of Health Research' series. This will be exhibited at each of the partner sites, including at the Trust. It is currently open (until 5 April) at Imperial College London, in the main entrance of the South Kensington Campus.
Imperial College AHSC
Imperial College AHSC is a strategic university-NHS partnership that aims to accelerate the translation of scientific breakthroughs into new ways to improve patient care and maintain the health of the public. Its members are Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Imperial College London, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, The Institute of Cancer Research and Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
During the pandemic and beyond, research and clinical work led by AHSC partners has had a significant impact on a national and global scale. The AHSC’s photography exhibition showcases NHS staff from across the partnership working in a range of medical specialties and roles, alongside their patients and patient representatives.
Read the latest interview on Imperial College London's website.
