Office of Research demonstrating HELMET during a Clinical Trials Day open house at Oak Valley Health
By: Michelle Lee Hoy, senior communications specialist, Oak Valley Health
Oak Valley Health is at the forefront of respiratory care innovation, thanks to a groundbreaking pilot study called HELMET, which explores the use of helmet-based non-invasive ventilation (NIV). Spearheaded by Dr. Dipayan Chaudhuri, an academic intensivist at McMaster University, the project builds on promising findings from systematic reviews and smaller studies that suggest this novel modality could revolutionize patient care.
HELMET, a new interface for NIV, offers several advantages over traditional face masks, particularly for patients with respiratory failure. Preliminary research indicates that HELMET is more comfortable for patients, reduces air leaks, and may enhance infection control measures—a critical consideration for airborne diseases like COVID-19. Despite these potential benefits, no large-scale or Canadian-based studies had been conducted on the technology, prompting Dr. Chaudhuri to secure a grant from Hamilton Health Sciences to launch this pilot study.
“The HELMET pilot study is an exciting opportunity to explore the potential of this innovative device," says Dr. Chaudhuri. “While we're still in the early stages, the commitment and expertise of our team at Oak Valley Health have been instrumental in overcoming challenges and moving the project forward."
Progress and implementation
Since its initiation at Oak Valley Health, the HELMET study has enrolled 11 patients, with four randomized to the HELMET arm. These early cases have been encouraging, providing valuable insights into the practical application of this device. By June 2025, the team aims to recruit an additional four patients, marking an important step toward determining the feasibility of a larger randomized controlled trial (RCT).
However, introducing HELMET presented unique challenges. Staff training emerged as a critical component, requiring the collaboration of Oak Valley Health's Clinical Leader, Professional Practice Leader, and Clinical Trials Nurse. To ensure smooth implementation, the team:
- Coordinated in-service meetings with the device representative for group training.
- Developed educational materials, including videos and infographics, for individual learning.
- Conducted interdisciplinary care team meetings to facilitate seamless transitions from BiPAP to the HELMET interface.
Training efforts focused on equipping nurses and respiratory therapists (RTs) with the skills to use HELMET effectively. This included learning emergency protocols, administering medications, and selecting the appropriate HELMET size for optimal fit and performance.
Looking ahead
The ultimate goal of this initiative is to launch a multicentre randomized control trial (RCT) involving hundreds of patients across national and international sites. Such a study would provide robust evidence on the efficacy and feasibility of helmet-based NIV, potentially transforming the standard of care for respiratory failure.
This work aligns closely with Oak Valley Health's strategic priority for growth, fostering innovation and research excellence. By pursuing cutting-edge studies like the HELMET pilot, the organization reinforces its commitment to improving patient outcomes and advancing health care standards.
Michelle Dimas, Manager of Research, emphasizes the importance of this initiative, stating, “At Oak Valley Health, we are proud to support research that has the potential to make a real difference in patient care. The HELMET study reflects our dedication to innovation and collaborative efforts to lead advancements in health care."
By investing in cutting-edge research and fostering a culture of collaboration, Oak Valley Health is not only advancing respiratory care but also paving the way for improved patient outcomes in Canada and beyond.