Healing Hearts Together: Evaluating a Couples-based Intervention to Improve Health Outcomes

Healing Hearts Together: Evaluating a Couples-based Intervention to Improve Health Outcomes

The purpose of this study is to test the efficacy of the 8-week Healing Hearts Together (HHT) program to improve relationship quality, mental health, quality of life (QoL), and cardiovascular health. This is a randomized controlled trial in which couples are randomly assigned to the HHT group or usual care. Changes in the outcomes of interest will be assessed at the end of the intervention (8 weeks) and 6 months later.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. University of Ottawa Heart Institute (UOHI) patients and their partners
2. Participants in a romantic relationship who are cohabiting (married, common-law or committed relationship for ≥1 year). No restrictions will be placed on sexual orientation.
3. Participants are ≥ 18 years of age
4. Participants are able to read and understand English (HHT materials are only available in English; once efficacy has been established, all materials will be translated to French).
5. Patients and partners are available to participate for the next 6 months (intervention and follow-up).
6. Patients and partners are able to provide informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Participants who, in the opinion of the study psychologist, manifest psychiatric illness or cognitive impairment that would preclude participation in HHT (i.e. unable to benefit from the intervention; to prevent disruption of other participants).
2. Participants who are engaging in couples therapy or plan to engage in couples therapy in the next 6 months.