Congestive Heart Failure Weight Study

Study Overview
=================
Brief Summary
-----------------
Early morning weights to monitor CHF patient's fluid status is common practice but there is a lack of evidence that this is the best practice. The purpose of this study is to determine if there is a difference in net weight gain or loss for hospitalized patients with CHF who are weighed in the evening instead of early morning.

Detailed Description
-----------------
This is a quasi-experimental pilot study with prospective cohort design. Study subjects will be weighed in the early morning and then again in the evening for a minimum of three days. Analysis will be accomplished on data by analysis within-subjects data utilizing the paired t test. Other data to be collected includes dates of hospitalization, demographics, dose and timing of medications, lab results and documentation of comorbid conditions.

Official Title
-----------------
Time of Day and Accurate Weights for Patients With Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

Conditions
-----------------
Congestive Heart Failure

Intervention / Treatment
-----------------
* Procedure: Weigh subjects on a scale in the standing position


Participation Criteria
=================
Eligibility Criteria
-----------------
Inclusion Criteria: 18-85 years old Admitted to hospital with a primary diagnosis of heart failure or fluid overload Ambulatory with a medical order to be out of bed Able to stand on a scale Have no problems with balance Exclusion Criteria: Patients with a primary diagnosis other than heart failure or fluid overload Patients diagnosed with renal failure Non-English speaking Unable to follow directions or consent due to cognitive impairment Medical order for bed rest Involved in another study

Ages Eligible for Study
-----------------
Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 85 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
-----------------
All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
-----------------
No

Study Plan
=================
How is the study designed?
-----------------

Design Details

Primary Purpose: Supportive Care
Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Body weight taken in a standing position<br>Subjects will be weighed in the early morning, as standard of care dictates. They will also be weighed after evening medications are given, around 9pm. The evening weight is not standard, therefore considered the study intervention. | Procedure: Weigh subjects on a scale in the standing position<br>* Subjects will stand on a scale in the mornings, and the evenings for 3 days while hospitalized.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
-----------------
Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| The Measurement of the Difference Between Early Morning and Evening Weights for CHF Patients |  | Mean differences in the morning (5am) weights compared for three consecutive days. Day 1, Day 2, Day 3. Mean difference in the morning (5am) and evening (8pm) weights for three consecutive days. Day 1, Day 2, Day 3. | 

 Terms related to the study
=================
Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
-----------------
CHF, congestive heart failure