Digital CHW Support for Heart Failure
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests a digital support system for people with heart failure to determine if it can reduce hospital readmissions within 30 days. Participants will collaborate with a community health worker (CHW) and use digital tools such as a mobile app, digital weight scale, and blood pressure monitor. The trial compares this digitally-enabled CHW care approach to the usual care provided by a CHW. Individuals diagnosed with heart failure, who own a smartphone, and live within 30 miles of Massachusetts General Hospital might be suitable for this study. As an unphased study, this trial provides a unique opportunity to explore innovative digital health solutions for managing heart failure.
Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?
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 doctor.
What prior data suggests that this digitally-enabled CHW care is safe for heart failure patients?
Research has shown that using digital tools with support from community health workers (CHWs) is generally safe and well-received by patients. In one study, patients found these tools easy to use and helpful, with no major safety issues reported. The digital tools included a mobile app, a digital weight scale, and a digital blood pressure monitor. Patients used these tools with CHW support throughout the study.
These tools aim to track heart health and reduce hospital readmissions. While the study focused on patients with heart failure, the tools appear promising for home health monitoring. No evidence of serious problems has emerged from using these tools. Overall, this approach seems safe and well-accepted by patients.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about digitally-enabled Community Health Worker (CHW) care for heart failure because it combines personal support with cutting-edge technology. Unlike standard CHW care, which involves regular check-ins, this approach gives patients access to a digital platform with tools like a mobile app, digital weight scale, digital blood pressure monitor, and biosensor armband. These tools enable real-time monitoring and data collection, helping community health workers provide more personalized and timely interventions. This integration of technology aims to improve patient engagement and outcomes by offering more immediate and tailored care.
What evidence suggests that this digitally-enabled CHW care is effective for reducing heart failure readmissions?
Research shows that digital tools used with community health workers (CHWs) can help reduce hospital readmissions for heart failure within 30 days. In this trial, participants in the intervention arm will receive digitally-enabled CHW care, which includes mobile apps and health monitors, along with CHW support. Earlier studies have shown that patients receiving this type of care had fewer readmissions. Early results suggest that patients find this method practical and acceptable. These findings highlight the potential for digital support to improve heart failure care.12367
Who Is on the Research Team?
Jocelyn Carter, MD, MPH
Principal Investigator
Massachusetts General Hospital
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults over 18 with heart failure who speak English, live within 30 miles of MGH, have a smartphone they use, and are under a cardiologist or primary care provider's care. It's not for those without health insurance, cognitive issues preventing engagement, or who rely on a health proxy.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive a digitally-enabled community health worker intervention or usual CHW care for 30 days
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Digitally-enabled CHW Care
- Usual CHW Care
Trial Overview
The study compares two types of support for heart failure patients: one using digitally-enabled community health workers and the other using standard community worker care. The goal is to see if digital tools can better prevent hospital readmissions within 30 days after discharge.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Patients identified by the MGH readmission database and the EHR as eligible for the study will be enrolled. Participants will be paired with a community health worker and oriented to the digital platform ( mobile app, digital weight scale, digital blood pressure monitor, biosensor with armband). Participants will have access to the community health worker and the digital platform throughout the 30-day study interval.
Patients identified by the MGH readmission database and the EHR as eligible for the study will be enrolled. Participants will be paired with a community health worker. Participants will have access to the community health worker throughout the 30-day study interval.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Massachusetts General Hospital
Lead Sponsor
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Collaborator
Citations
Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial - PubMed - NIH
Methods: Adults hospitalized with a diagnosis of HF at an academic hospital were randomly assigned to receive digitally-enabled CHW care ( ...
Implementing a Digitally-enabled Community Health ...
In preliminary findings, digital platform clinical trial data has shown promise in reducing HF 30-day readmissions. This study will investigate the ...
Abstract 11804: Implementing a Digitally-Enabled ...
Conclusions: A novel intervention combining a digital platform with CHW social needs care in HF was feasible and acceptable. Clinical outcome ...
Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial - JMIR Cardio
This pilot trial of a digitally-enabled CHW intervention for HF demonstrated feasibility, acceptability, and a clinically relevant reduction in 30-day ...
Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Effectiveness of a ...
This study aims to describe the protocol for a randomized controlled trial assessing the acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary effectiveness of an ...
Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Effectiveness of a ...
The study found that using digital tools along with CHW support was feasible and well-received by patients. Those using the digital tools had ...
7.
sirenetwork.ucsf.edu
sirenetwork.ucsf.edu/tools-resources/resources/feasibility-and-acceptability-combined-digital-platform-and-communityFeasibility and acceptability of a combined digital platform ...
Digital platforms designed for remote monitoring of HF can improve clinical outcomes, but their effectiveness has been limited by patient ...
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