Researchers at Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust are leading the way in developing the most effective ways for patients on ventilation machines to breathe by themselves.

The research team, lead by Professor Gavin Perkins, consultant in intensive care at Heartlands Hospital, has secured funding of £1.3 million to complete the research in partnership with the University of Warwick and the Intensive Care Foundation.

Many patients in intensive care can require mechanical ventilation, the use of a machine to breathe for them. Whilst this is life-saving, it can cause long-term problems. This research will look at establishing a standard for weaning patients off reliance on the mechanical ventilation as soon as it is safe to do so. The results of this research will then change or inform clinical practice in the local area. 

Professor Gavin Perkins explained: “The Breathe Study is a multi-centre trial designed to work out the most effective method for helping patients to breathe by themselves.  We are delighted to be working with the Intensive Care Foundation and Warwick Clinical Trials Unit on this study.  It will be one of the largest studies ever conducted in this area, the results of which should tell us the best method for assisting patients on the road to recovery”.

The study will involve over 40 centres in the UK, with Heartlands Hospital and Good Hope Hospital involved.