Holistic intervention to improve outcomes for older patients with heart failure and frailty

A Holistic Patient-centred Intervention to Improve Outcomes of Older People Living With Frailty and Chronic Heart Failure

University of Leicester · NCT06386640

This study is testing a new, all-around approach to help older adults with heart failure and frailty feel better and improve their health.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 100 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Leicester (other)
Locations1 site (Leicester)
Trial IDNCT06386640 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to develop and test a holistic, patient-centered intervention for older adults living with chronic heart failure (CHF) and frailty. The research will be conducted in three stages: first, background research will inform the intervention design; second, the intervention will be co-designed with stakeholders; and third, the developed intervention will be trialed in a multicenter setting, with feedback collected for refinement. A combination of qualitative and quantitative methods will be utilized to assess the intervention's effectiveness and feasibility.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 65 and older, diagnosed with chronic heart failure for at least one year, and exhibiting signs of frailty.

Not a fit: Patients who are younger than 65 or do not have a diagnosis of chronic heart failure or frailty may not benefit from this intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could improve physical function and quality of life for patients with CHF while reducing hospitalizations and healthcare costs.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise with similar holistic approaches, indicating potential for success in this intervention.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* • Participant is willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the study.

  * Male or Female, aged 65 years or above.
  * Diagnosed with CHF for at least 1 year (Signs and symptoms of HF \& either LVEF \<40% or LVEF ≥40% with evidence of structural cardiac abnormality on echocardiogram including increased left atrial size, LV hypertrophy or impaired LV filling and/or raised natriuretic peptides: B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) \<35 pg/mL/ N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) \<125 pg/mL)
  * CFS ≥5
  * Willing to actively engage in a 12-week intervention developed by our team targeting older people with frailty and CHF
  * Willing to wear a wrist accelerometer for 7 days before the intervention as well as during the 12-week intervention to assess physical activity profile and monitor adherence to exercise programme
  * Willing to comply with all study requirements.
  * Willing to allow his or her General Practitioner and consultant, if appropriate, to be notified of participation in the study
  * Willing to provide feedback regarding the intervention in the form of interview/ focus groups/ surveys to help refine the intervention
  * Willing for audio recordings or note taking to take place during interviews/ focus groups

Exclusion Criteria:

* • Any other significant disease or disorder which, in the opinion of the Investigator, may either put the participants at risk because of participation in the study.

  * Significant cognitive impairment that affects the participant's ability to adhere to intervention.
  * Recent wrist fracture or operation that affects the participant's ability to wear a wrist accelerometer
  * Recent injury or operations that would significantly reduce the participants ability to engage in their normal daily activities
  * Participants who are currently recruited into another research study involving a lifestyle intervention
  * Participants who are undergoing major operations during the 12-week intervention
  * Participants unable to give informed consent

Where this trial is running

Leicester

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Chronic Heart Failure, Frailty

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.