Tailored text messaging to improve self-care in older adults with heart failure

TEXT4HF: A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Tailored Text Messaging Intervention to Improve Self-Care in Older Adult Patients With Heart Failure

Not applicable Interventional University of Illinois at Chicago · NCT06473532

This study tests whether sending personalized text messages can help older adults with heart failure take better care of themselves compared to standard care.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages50 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Illinois at Chicago Academic / other
Locations1 site (Chicago, Illinois)
Trial IDNCT06473532 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a tailored text messaging intervention designed to enhance self-care among older adults with heart failure. Participants aged 50 and above will be randomly assigned to either receive tailored text messages or standard care for a duration of 12 weeks. The intervention focuses on critical self-care aspects such as medication adherence, diet, and symptom monitoring. Participants will complete questionnaires at baseline, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks to assess changes in self-care practices and quality of life.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are older adults aged 50 and above with heart failure who have suboptimal self-care and own a mobile phone with a text messaging plan.

Not a fit: Patients with advanced heart conditions requiring immediate surgical interventions or those unable to self-manage their care will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve self-care practices in older adults with heart failure, potentially reducing hospitalizations and enhancing quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with mobile health interventions in chronic disease management, suggesting potential success for this tailored approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* ≥50 years of Age
* HF Stage C, NYHA Class I-IV and on a loop diuretic
* Own a Mobile phone with Text message plan
* Ability to speak and read English
* Suboptimal HF self-care. (SCHFI Score of 3 or less in at least 2 items of any subscale: Self-care maintenance, Symptom Perception, or Self-management)

Exclusion Criteria:

* SAVR/TAVR or Ventricular Assist Device, or Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) - implantation, and/or heart transplantation (HTx) scheduled within the next 3 months
* Coronary revascularization, and/or CRT-implantation within the last 30 days (EMR Review)
* Psychosis
* Hospice or End-of-life care
* Advanced Renal disease (i.e., estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate \<25 or Hemodialysis)
* Cognitive impairment (i.e., Dementia, Alzheimer's)
* Unable to self-manage (take medication, bathe, use the toilet, etc.)
* Currently living in a nursing home

Where this trial is running

Chicago, Illinois

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 Heart FailuremHealthText MessagingMobile Phone
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.