Cardiac Rehabilitation for Cardiovascular Disease
(T2CR Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a secondary prevention program for patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). It is especially valuable as CVD increasingly occurs in combination with comorbidity, frailty, and complexities of care that predispose patients to functional decline, disability, and high costs. Still, few Veterans participate in CR, in part because of the difficult logistics to attend. Promising Practice home-based CR (HBCR) was developed to increase CR participation, but many Veterans remain too limited by comorbidity and frailty for participation. A Transition to CR (T2CR) intervention is a face-to-face program that fosters vital skills, education, insights, motivation, and patient-provider relationships conducive to successful HBCR thereafter. This study compares Veterans eligible for CR who are randomized to T2CR intervention versus usual care. Differences in functional capacity, HBCR participation, and healthy days at home are compared over one year. Patients' experiences and providers' perspectives of barriers and facilitators to T2CR are also compared.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your healthcare provider.
Is cardiac rehabilitation safe for people with cardiovascular disease?
How is the T2CR treatment different from other treatments for cardiovascular disease?
The T2CR Program is unique because it focuses on transitioning patients to cardiac rehabilitation, which is often underutilized, especially among the elderly. Unlike traditional center-based programs, T2CR may incorporate innovative delivery models like telehealth to improve accessibility and adherence.678910
What data supports the effectiveness of the T2CR Program treatment for cardiovascular disease?
Research shows that cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is effective for patients with coronary artery disease and heart failure, reducing hospital readmissions and mortality risk. Telehealth interventions, similar to the T2CR Program, can effectively deliver CR, making it more accessible and potentially improving outcomes.711121314
Who Is on the Research Team?
Daniel Forman, MD
Principal Investigator
VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System University Drive Division, Pittsburgh, PA
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for Veterans with cardiovascular disease who may also be dealing with other health conditions and frailty, making it hard for them to attend traditional cardiac rehabilitation programs. Participants should be eligible for cardiac rehab but find it challenging due to their complex health needs.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
T2CR Phase 1
A 2-day face-to-face program that includes comprehensive assessment of holistic risks, functional limitations, and psychosocial circumstances. Individualized plans are formulated, and exercise practice is emphasized.
T2CR Phase 2
Home-based cardiac rehabilitation enriched by the orientation, practice, consultations, supports, and goal setting initiated in T2CR Phase 1.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for functional gains, rehospitalizations, and Healthy Days at Home over 12 months.
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- T2CR Intervention
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
VA Office of Research and Development
Lead Sponsor