Developing a support programme to help people self-manage POTS

Self-management support in people with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS): Co-producing a supportive self-management intervention and testing for feasibility

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a condition where an abnormal increase in heart rate occurs after sitting or standing up. The syndrome is more common in women and is usually diagnosed between the ages of 17-35. POTS can have a devastating effect on quality of life. Typical symptoms include dizziness, extreme tiredness, fainting, problems with memory and concentration, poor sleep, and headaches. People with POTS typically report that they do not feel supported in managing their condition. A self-management support intervention is when health professionals, teams, and services ensure that people have the knowledge, skills, confidence, and support they need to manage their long-term condition(s) effectively. Such interventions are known to improve quality of life for people with heart conditions and reduce healthcare costs. In this project, Professor Kate Seers will supervise the development of a self-management support intervention for POTS. The researchers will develop the support programme by interviewing and working with people affected by POTS and relevant professionals. The support programme will then be tested on a group of approximately 30 people with POTS to see how effective it is. This research could lead to a self-management support intervention for POTS being tested in a large-scale trial and then implemented in the NHS. This could result in improved quality of life for many people and a reduction in healthcare costs.