Home palliative care for heart failure patients in rural Appalachia
Official title: Sustaining Home Palliative Care for Patients With Heart Failure (HF) and Their Family Caregivers in Rural Appalachia: A Mixed Methods Randomized Clinical Trial (RCT).
Run by West Virginia University · NCT06791850 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests a new home care program for families taking care of loved ones with advanced heart failure in rural Appalachia to see if it improves their quality of life and reduces stress over a year.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 45 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 208 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | West Virginia University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Morgantown, West Virginia) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | April 1, 2028 |
| Study ends | May 31, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | March 9, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06791850 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 50 to 80 years with advanced heart failure (NYHA Class III or IV) and their caregivers aged 45 to 80 years.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who have received a heart transplant, are on a waiting list for a transplant or LVAD, or have a terminal illness or dementia may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial tests an integrated nurse-led intervention bundle designed for family home care management of end-stage heart failure in rural Appalachia. The study involves a randomized controlled trial comparing the new home palliative care intervention (HF-FamPALhomeCARE) with standard care for patients with advanced heart failure and their family caregivers. The aim is to assess improvements in health-related quality of life, caregiver burden, and mental health outcomes over a 12-month period. The trial will include 104 patient-family caregiver dyads and will evaluate various health metrics at multiple follow-up points.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve the quality of life and mental health outcomes for heart failure patients and their caregivers in rural areas.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown success with similar nurse-led palliative care interventions, particularly in improving patient and caregiver outcomes.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Adult patients' age between 50 to 80 years with advanced HF (NYHA III or IV), diagnosed by physician 2. Caregivers' age between 45 to 80 years. 3. Alert and consent to participate 4. Able to read and understand English Exclusion Criteria: 1. Already received or are on a waiting list for a heart transplant or left ventricular assist device (LVAD) 2. Diagnosed with a terminal illness or dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease
Where it's running
-
West Virginia University Hospital
Morgantown, West Virginia, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ubolrat Piamjariyakul — West Virginia University School of Nursing
- Study coordinator: Ubolrat Piamjariyakul
- Email: ubolrat.piamjariyakul@hsc.wvu.edu
- Phone: 304.293.6729
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.