Medly: a phone-based heart failure care program in Uganda
ImpleMEntation of a Digital-first care deLiverY model for heart failure in Uganda (MEDLY Uganda)
This project offers a mobile phone program to help people with heart failure in Uganda track symptoms, get tailored self-care support, and stay connected to clinic teams.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11413334 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would use a phone-based system called Medly that asks about your symptoms, gives simple advice, and alerts clinic staff when you need extra help. The program is being rolled out at six regional referral hospital outpatient clinics across Uganda and includes patient education, automated check-ins, and better clinic workflows. Researchers will talk with patients and providers, use surveys and interviews, and review clinic records to shape the program so it fits local needs. They will follow patients’ health outcomes and how well clinics can keep the program running over time.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults diagnosed with heart failure who get outpatient care at one of the participating regional referral hospitals in Uganda and who can use a mobile phone are the best fit.
Not a fit: People without reliable access to a mobile phone, those needing inpatient or emergency care, or patients not seen at the participating clinics are unlikely to benefit directly from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could help people with heart failure manage symptoms better, reduce hospital visits, and improve quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Phone-based self-care programs for heart failure have shown benefits in higher-income settings, but this type of approach is less tested in sub-Saharan Africa and is being adapted for local needs.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Yale University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schwartz, Jeremy Ian — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Schwartz, Jeremy Ian
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.