Heart Failure Carer Support Programme: Testing How to Deliver Help for Carers in the UK

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

The study implements the HELP program, delivered by heart failure nurses at three UK sites, enrolling about 180 carers of patients with heart failure. Carers are nominated by patients and will participate in a structured intervention designed to support self-care and caregiving. The trial uses a real-world delivery approach to identify the best way to implement HELP across the UK and to observe potential benefits for both carers and patients. Eligible carers are adults who can use digital devices, communicate in English, and provide regular unpaid care for someone with heart failure. Outcomes will inform feasibility and potential impact on caregiver and patient health.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Carers

Inclusion Criteria

1. Aged 18 years or older
2. Physical and mental ability to operate a digital device, engage comfortably in conversation with peers, and be able to read written materials
3. Caring (regular, unpaid care) for a person with a clinical diagnosis of heart failure (HF) who is receiving standard evidence-based HF therapies and has either HF symptoms or 1 episode of decompensation (symptoms requiring medical attention) in previous 6 months
4. Ability to speak and understand English

Exclusion criteria

1. Lacking capacity to give consent
2. Under the age of 18

Patients

Inclusion Criteria

1. Aged 18 years or older
2. Physical and mental ability to engage comfortably in conversation and be able to read written materials
3. Clinical diagnosis of HF and receiving standard evidence-based HF therapies and has either HF symptoms or 1 episode of decompensation (symptoms requiring medical attention) in previous 6 months
4. Ability to speak and understand English
5. Receiving regular, unpaid support with managing his / her condition from a loved one or friend (e.g., a relative or spouse)

Exclusion criteria

1. Lacking capacity to give consent
2. Under the age of 18
3. Carer refused to participate in HELP

Where it's running

• Glasgow Royal Infirmary
  Glasgow, United Kingdom Recruiting
• Royal Victoria Hospital
  Belfast, United Kingdom Not yet recruiting
• Ulster Hospital
  Belfast, United Kingdom Not yet recruiting
• Craigavon Area Hospital
  Craigavon, United Kingdom Not yet recruiting
• King's College Hospital
  London, United Kingdom Not yet recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Gareth Thompson, PhD
• Email: gareth.thompson@qub.ac.uk
• Phone: 07714198795

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.