SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Preliminary-Effectiveness of a Digitally-Enabled-CHW-Intervention in Heart-Failure: A Randomized Controlled Trial

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This pilot randomized controlled trial tested a digitally enabled community health worker (CHW) intervention for patients with heart failure (HF) at Massachusetts General Hospital. The study was motivated by the high rate and cost of 30-day HF readmissions in the U.S. and the need to better understand whether combining a digital monitoring platform with CHW support could improve outcomes.<br /><br />Adults ages 18–95 with HF who were English-speaking and under primary care were enrolled between September 2022 and June 2023. Participants were randomized to control care or the intervention. The intervention included a digital platform with an arm sensor to track heart rate, oxygen saturation, and steps, plus a digital weight scale, blood pressure monitor, daily symptom questionnaires, and HF educational videos on a phone app. CHWs provided support and connected patients with community and clinical resources.<br /><br />The main goals were to assess feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness. Results suggested the intervention was feasible: most participants accessed the digital tools and CHW support. It was also acceptable, with 89.5% of intervention participants saying they would want to use it long-term. Use of the digital components was moderate to high, including heart rate capture on 78% of study days, symptom questionnaire completion on 75% of study days, and regular use of the weight and blood pressure tools.<br /><br />Preliminary clinical results showed potential differences in 30-day outcomes, though the study was not powered for definitive effectiveness. Readmissions were 25.8% in controls versus 12.0% in the intervention group, with no statistically significant differences reported. CHW interactions were common in both groups, and interviews showed CHWs often addressed unmet social needs such as transportation, food, and housing.<br /><br />Limitations included the single-site design and exclusion of non-English-speaking patients.

Asset Subtitle

Jocelyn A. Carter

Meta Tag

Author List Anne N. Thorndike, Eric Isselbacher, Jocelyn A. Carter, Karen Donelan, Natalia Swack

Category Research

Concept Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Concept Heart Failure

Concept Community Health Worker

Concept Feasibility

Concept Acceptability

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Massachusetts General Hospital

Presenting Author Jocelyn A. Carter

Track Technology in Hospital Medicine

Keywords

heart failure

community health worker

digital health intervention

randomized controlled trial

hospital readmission

remote patient monitoring

feasibility study

acceptability

Massachusetts General Hospital

social determinants of health

Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Heart Failure

Community Health Worker

Feasibility

Acceptability