Taking Care of Us: A Dyadic Intervention for Heart Failure Couples

Taking Care of Us: A Dyadic Intervention for Heart Failure

This research study is evaluating the efficacy and feasibility of a novel, dyadic intervention for heart failure couples versus an educational counseling intervention.

There is a critical need for theoretically- and empirically-driven dyadic interventions to improve the outcomes of both adults with heart failure and their partners. The proposed study will evaluate a novel, dyadic program, Taking Care of Us, versus an educational counseling condition using a randomized controlled trial on 72 couples living with heart failure. Both programs are offered via Zoom by trained interventionists and last approximately two months.

Specifically, we will 1) determine the efficacy of the Taking Care of Us intervention on dyadic health; 2) determine the efficacy of the Taking Care of Us intervention on dyadic appraisal and dyadic management; and 3) determine the feasibility and acceptability of the Taking Care of Us intervention.

Inclusion Criteria: Adults with Heart Failure:

• Diagnosis of heart failure for at least three months
• Current heart failure symptoms (i.e., NYHA Class II-III; AHA/ACC Stage C)
• Age greater than or equal to 18 years
• Willing and able to provide informed consent
• Reachable by telephone/email
• Access to device with camera (e.g., computer, tablet) to participate in Zoom sessions
• Have a co-residing spouse/unmarried partner willing to participate

Inclusion Criteria: Spouses/Partners:

• Age greater than or equal to 18 years
• Co-residing with the adult with heart failure at time of recruitment
• Have lived with the adult with heart failure for at least one year
• Willing and able to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Major and uncorrected hearing impairment
• Significant cognitive impairment
• Heart transplantation/mechanical circulatory support prior to enrollment
• Concomitant terminal illness that would impede participation
• Active psychosis or severe substance abuse that would impair the ability to complete the study
• Inability to complete the requirements of the study, including enrolment in an additional trial