Developing culturally-responsive, effective, efficient, and scalable and unpacking
mechanisms of action of heart failure palliative care interventions have been identified
a key research priorities by NIH, AHA, and others. To begin to answer questions of
mechanism and efficiency, the study team explored the dose effect of ENABLE CHF-PC, a
large phase III RCT that demonstrated small improvements in secondary outcomes of pain
intensity and interference. These additional exploratory analyses showed that those with
poor baseline QOL and high pain intensity who received a full intervention dose had
improved outcomes.
However ENABLE CHF-PC and other HF PC studies included interventions designed to be
delivered as a "bundled" package where all intervention participants received the same
intervention at set times and dose, making it hard to assess which content or dose led to
outcome change. To efficiently test multiple intervention components, doses, and
intensity simultaneously requires innovative methods and frameworks, like the Multiphase
Optimization Strategy (MOST). Guided by the Total Pain Theory and ENABLE CHF-PC and other
HF PC and pain interventions, the project team identified 4 intervention components (HF
pain and PC education, relaxation training, COPE attitude and other coping skills,
health-related communication) and spirituality and meaning making to be modified,
adapted, and evaluated for inclusion in a new, lay navigator-led early palliative care
pain telehealth intervention, ADAPT HF (ADdressing pain through A navigator led
Palliative care opTimized for Heart Failure).
Aim 1: Using the innovative MOST framework, determine ADAPT HF components feasibility,
acceptability, enrollment, retention, and completion rates in advanced HF patients (n=36;
at least 2 per condition) for 12 weeks. Feasibility: ≥80% of participants will adhere to
and complete assigned intervention components and study-related assessments.
Acceptability: Through post-intervention qualitative interviews and acceptability
outcomes (acceptability of intervention measure and intervention appropriateness
measure), the project team will elicit feedback on intervention components, experiences,
and clinical trial procedures.
Aim 2: Explore the preliminary efficacy of ADAPT HF intervention components on outcomes
at 12- and 24- weeks after baseline including a) pain interference & pain intensity
(primary outcome) using PROMIS measures b) symptom burden using the Edmonton Symptom
Assessment Scale and c) mood using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and d) QOL
using the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Scale.