Enhanced community health worker program for cardiovascular disease management

PhillyCEAL: Addressing Disparities in Chronic Disease Self-management Through an Enhanced Community Health Worker Program

Not applicable Interventional University of Pennsylvania · NCT06732102

This study is testing a new program that helps people with heart disease in Philadelphia learn to manage their health better by providing extra support from community health workers.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment500 (estimated)
Ages35 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Pennsylvania Academic / other
Locations1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Trial IDNCT06732102 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates an enhanced community health worker (CHW) program aimed at improving cardiovascular disease (CVD) self-management skills among underserved populations in Philadelphia. Participants aged 35-75 with CVD risk factors and unmet social needs will receive the DECIDE+ intervention, which includes bi-weekly group sessions and CHW consultations, or continue with standard CHW services. The study employs a Type 1 Hybrid Effectiveness-Implementation Design and aims to recruit 500 residents to assess improvements in health behaviors and resolution of social needs. The primary outcome will be measured using the Self-care of Chronic Illness Inventory Maintenance scale.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are Philadelphia residents aged 35-75 with one or more CVD risk factors and unmet social needs.

Not a fit: Patients who do not reside in Philadelphia or do not have CVD-related chronic conditions will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly enhance self-management skills for cardiovascular health among underserved populations, potentially reducing CVD-related morbidity and mortality.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with community health worker interventions in managing chronic diseases, indicating a promising approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Reside in Philadelphia
* Be between 35 and 75 years of age (inclusive)
* Self-report having been told by a healthcare provider that they have one or more of the following CVD-related chronic conditions:

  1. Pre-diabetes
  2. Diabetes
  3. Hypertension
  4. Hyperlipidemia/ high cholesterol)
  5. BMI \>=30.
* Have completed an initial visit with a CEO CHW
* Have one or more unmet social needs identified in the CEO Intake Form in the following areas:

  1. Housing Stability,
  2. Food security,
  3. Transportation to medical appointments and/or work,
  4. Employment,
  5. Household utilities,
  6. Healthcare access,
  7. Health literacy, and
  8. Social support.
* Willing to consent to participate in the CEAL study regular access to a mobile device to qualify for enrollment.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Does not reside in Philadelphia
* Not between 35 and 75 years of age (inclusive)
* Does not self-report having been told by a healthcare provider that they have one or more of the following CVD-related chronic conditions:

  1. Pre-diabetes
  2. Diabetes
  3. Hypertension
  4. Hyperlipidemia/ high cholesterol)
  5. BMI \>=30.
* Has not completed an initial visit with a CEO CHW
* Does not have one or more unmet social needs identified in the CEO Intake Form in the following areas:

  1. Housing Stability,
  2. Food security,
  3. Transportation to medical appointments and/or work, employment,
  4. Household utilities,
  5. Healthcare access,
  6. Health literacy, and
  7. Social support.
* Unwilling to consent to participate in the CEAL study regular access to a mobile device to qualify for enrollment.

Where this trial is running

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions DisparitiesCommunity Health WorkersCardiovascular DiseasesSocial Determinants of HealthCommunity Health WorkerChronic Disease ManagementCardiovascular HealthUnmet social needs
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.