Sustaining Home Heart Failure Palliative Care in Rural Appalachia

Launched by WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY · Jan 19, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at a new way to help people with advanced heart failure (a serious condition where the heart doesn't pump blood as well as it should) and their families in rural Appalachia. The goal is to test a special program led by nurses that provides support and care at home for patients who are in the later stages of heart failure. This program aims to improve access to care for those living in rural areas, by using local nurses and volunteers to visit and help families manage the challenges of this illness.

To join the study, participants need to be adults aged 50 to 80 with advanced heart failure, as diagnosed by a doctor. Caregivers who are aged 45 to 80 can also take part. Participants should be alert and able to understand English. However, those who are on a waiting list for a heart transplant or have other serious illnesses like dementia cannot join. If you participate, you can expect to receive personalized support and resources to help manage heart failure at home, making it easier for both patients and their caregivers.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Adult patients' age between 50 to 80 years with advanced HF (NYHA III or IV), diagnosed by physician
• • 2. Caregivers' age between 45 to 80 years.
• • 3. Alert and consent to participate
• • 4. Able to read and understand English
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Already received or are on a waiting list for a heart transplant or left ventricular assist device (LVAD)
• • 2. Diagnosed with a terminal illness or dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease