Program to help Veterans transition to cardiac rehabilitation

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

This intervention focuses on improving participation in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) for Veterans with cardiovascular disease (CVD) who face barriers due to comorbidity and frailty. The Transition to CR (T2CR) program includes a two-day face-to-face assessment and planning phase that addresses individual risks and limitations, aiming to enhance the feasibility of home-based CR. Participants are randomized to receive either the T2CR intervention or usual care, with outcomes measured over one year in terms of functional capacity, participation in home-based CR, and overall health days at home.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Eligible candidates will consist of male and female Veterans hospitalized with:

  * ischemic heart disease (acute myocardial infarction or stable ischemia)
  * revascularization (coronary artery bypass grafting or percutaneous coronary intervention)
  * valvular heart disease (surgical or percutaneous intervention for mitral regurgitation or aortic stenosis)
  * or heart failure (with reduced or preserved ejection fraction)
* All will be recruited while initially hospitalized and must express willingness to consider cardiac rehabilitation as a treatment option, including the possibility of the intervention which could possibly extend the length of their hospitalization (for 2 days maximum)
* Study candidates must also be English speaking and able to provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Veterans with unstable medical condition as indicated by history, physical exam, and/or laboratory findings end-stage disease likely to be fatal within 12 months
* Severe cognitive impairment (MiniCog score 0-2)
* History of addictive or behavioral issues that confound safe administration of home-based cardiac rehabilitation (HBCR)
* Hearing loss that interferes with participation in the trial
* Living in a long-term care living situation prior to the time of hospitalization, no plans to return to independent living after the hospitalization

Where it's running

• VA Boston Healthcare System Jamaica Plain Campus, Jamaica Plain, MA
  Boston, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting
• VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System University Drive Division, Pittsburgh, PA
  Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Daniel E Forman, MD — VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System University Drive Division, Pittsburgh, PA
• Study coordinator: Daniel E Forman, MD
• Email: Daniel.Forman@va.gov
• Phone: (412) 360-2917

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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.