Remote Care for Heart Failure
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests whether people with heart failure in rural areas can better manage their condition using remote tools. Participants will use video consultations, health-monitoring devices, and educational resources for self-care. This approach is called a "Three Component Intervention." The goal is to determine if these methods effectively improve health outcomes. Individuals diagnosed with heart failure and residing in a specific rural area may be suitable candidates. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative healthcare solutions that could enhance the quality of life for many.
Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to ask the trial coordinators for more details.
What prior data suggests that this remote care method is safe for heart failure patients?
Research has shown that video calls for heart failure patients can reduce the need for hospital readmissions due to heart problems. However, some studies found that patients with breathing issues might have a higher chance of needing hospital care within 30 days after a virtual visit. This indicates that while telemedicine can be helpful, it might not suit everyone.
Using devices like blood pressure monitors and digital scales at home has proven safe. Studies indicate that these tools can lower the risk of major problems and reduce hospital visits for heart failure. This suggests that these devices can help keep patients safer and healthier at home.
Learning self-care is also important for staying safe. Research shows that self-care can improve quality of life and reduce the risk of dying from heart problems. Self-care involves patients actively managing their condition, often with help from healthcare providers.
Overall, these treatment methods are generally safe and helpful for many heart failure patients. However, experiences can differ, so discussing options with a healthcare provider is important.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the "Remote Care for Heart Failure" approach because it leverages technology to bring personalized care directly to patients' homes. Unlike traditional heart failure treatments that often require frequent in-person visits, this method uses video consultations, remote monitoring devices, and self-care education to empower patients in managing their condition. This remote approach can potentially improve patient engagement and convenience, as it reduces the need for travel and allows real-time health monitoring. By integrating these technologies, the trial aims to find out if such an approach can enhance outcomes and quality of life for heart failure patients.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for managing heart failure?
This trial will compare three different remote care interventions for heart failure. Research has shown that video-based visits, one of the interventions in this trial, can reduce hospital readmissions for heart failure and improve medication adherence. This may help patients stay out of the hospital longer and take their medications more regularly. Another intervention, remote patient monitoring, uses digital tools like blood pressure cuffs and scales and has also been shown to lower hospital readmission rates and reduce death rates among heart failure patients. Lastly, remote self-care education, the third intervention in this trial, has been found to improve quality of life and reduce hospital visits by teaching patients how to better manage their condition. Together, these approaches could make managing heart failure easier and more effective.46789
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for individuals living in rural areas who have heart failure. It's designed to see if remote care methods can help them manage their condition better.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Remote Patient Monitoring
Participants receive remote monitoring devices and are guided on their use for heart failure management
Video-Based Consultation
Participants have video-based visits with the heart failure care team
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after the intervention
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Three Component Intervention
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Lead Sponsor