An Optimization Pilot to Optimize An Early Palliative Care Intervention for Advanced Heart Failure

NCT ID: NCT05879887

Last Updated: 2026-02-05

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING
• Clinical Phase: NA
• Total Enrollment: 64 participants
• Study Classification: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2024-08-15
• Study Completion Date: 2026-07-30

Brief Summary

Using a highly innovative methodology, the Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST), the purpose of this randomized factorial pilot trial is to identify feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of components of an intervention (UPHOLDS) to improve quality of life of older adults with advancing heart failure. Using a 2x2x2x2 factorial design, 64 adults with advancing heart failure will be randomized to receive one or more palliative care coach-delivered components, based on Ferrans' Health-Related Quality of Life Model: 1) psychoeducation on palliative care principles (4 vs. 8 sessions); 2) financial coaching (yes vs. no); 3) one-time specialty outpatient palliative care consultation (yes vs. no); and monthly follow (1 monthly follow-up call vs. monthly follow-up calls for 24 weeks).

Detailed Description

A priority NINR, nursing, and palliative care focus is how to best support patients with advanced AHA Stage C/D heart failure (HF). HF, a progressive condition, affecting 6.2 million U.S. adults results in reduced quality of life (QOL), high symptom burden, and unpredictable disease trajectory.There is a critical need to develop effective and scalable early palliative care (PC) interventions for patients with advanced HF, especially in the Southeastern U.S., where there is a high proportion of underserved groups (e.g., African-Americans, rural dwellers) who experience high HF morbidity and mortality.However, few interventions have been tested and demonstrated effectiveness- and none have been widely translated to practice.

Recent major systematic reviews and research agendas identify developing efficacious and scalable HF PC interventions as a key research priority. However, these efforts are stymied by a lack of understanding "active" PC interventions components. Traditional RCTs treat interventions as "bundled" packages, making it hard to assess definitively which intervention components are most essential for efficacy and efficiency. Hence, innovative methods are needed to efficiently test multiple intervention components simultaneously. To address this problem, prior work has developed and refined intervention components for underresourced Southern older adults with advanced HF (Utilizing Palliative Care for Heart Failure Optimized using Lay Navigators to Decrease Suffering -Project UPHOLDS).

Based on Ferrans' Health-Related QOL Model, we will use the highly innovative Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST)1 strategy to pilot test via a factorial design the individual UPHOLDS components with underresourced, older adults with advancing HF (n=64) who will be randomized to receive different levels of the following UPHOLDS intervention components: 1) outpatient PC consultation (Yes vs. No), 2) lay navigator PC coaching sessions addressing self-care, symptom management, communication, problem solving, decision-making, and advance care planning (4 vs. 8 weekly telephone sessions), 3) financial coaching session addressing financial distress and resources (Yes vs. No) and 4) monthly maintenance follow-up phone calls (1 vs. 4 calls).

Aim 1: Using the innovative MOST factorial design, determine UPHOLDS feasibility, acceptability, enrollment, retention, and completion rates in participants (n=64) for 24 weeks. Feasibility: >80% of participants will be enrolled, retained, and will complete all measures and all intervention components. Acceptability: Positive post-intervention interviews.

Aim 2: Explore the preliminary efficacy of individual intervention components and component interaction on patient outcomes at 12- and 24- weeks after baseline including a) QOL using the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Scale (primary outcome) b) financial toxicity using the Comprehensive score for financial toxicity, and c) mood using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.

Aim 3 (Exploratory): Explore mediators and moderators (e.g., sociodemographics, self-management skills, financial well-being, self-efficacy) of the relationship between intervention components and patient outcomes

Conditions

Chronic Illness; Heart Failure - NYHA II - IV

Study Design

• Allocation Method: RANDOMIZED
• Intervention Model: FACTORIAL
• Primary Study Purpose: SUPPORTIVE_CARE
• Blinding Strategy: DOUBLE

Study Groups

Basic palliative care coaching + outpatient visit + 1 monthly follow-up call

4 telehealth sessions on principles of problem solving, self-care, symptom management, and advanced care planning, one-time Comprehensive Specialty Outpatient Palliative Care Clinic guided by the National Consensus Project for Quality Palliative Care Guidelines, and a single monthly follow-up call

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

UPHOLDS (Utilizing Palliative Care for Heart Failure Optimized using Lay Navigators to Decrease Suffering)

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

UPHOLDS is a multicomponent, lay palliative care coach-led supportive care intervention designed to improve quality of life in individuals with advanced heart failure. In a series of weekly, one-on-one, 15-20 minute sessions, participants receive psychoeducation on palliative care principles (problem solving, self-care, symptom management, and advanced care planning), financial coaching (orientation to normalizing financial distress, introducing healthcare-related financial terms, exploring financial needs and steps to discussing finances in care decisions, and identifying financial resources in the health system and community), a one-time specialty palliative care outpatient clinic visit, as well as monthly follow-up.

Basic palliative care coaching + outpatient visit + 4 monthly follow-up calls

4 telehealth sessions on principles of problem solving, self-care, symptom management, and advanced care planning, one-time Comprehensive Specialty Outpatient Palliative Care Clinic guided by the National Consensus Project for Quality Palliative Care Guidelines, and monthly follow-up calls for 4 months

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

UPHOLDS (Utilizing Palliative Care for Heart Failure Optimized using Lay Navigators to Decrease Suffering)

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

UPHOLDS is a multicomponent, lay palliative care coach-led supportive care intervention designed to improve quality of life in individuals with advanced heart failure. In a series of weekly, one-on-one, 15-20 minute sessions, participants receive psychoeducation on palliative care principles (problem solving, self-care, symptom management, and advanced care planning), financial coaching (orientation to normalizing financial distress, introducing healthcare-related financial terms, exploring financial needs and steps to discussing finances in care decisions, and identifying financial resources in the health system and community), a one-time specialty palliative care outpatient clinic visit, as well as monthly follow-up.

Basic palliative care coaching + financial coaching + outpatient visit + 1 monthly follow-up call

4 telehealth sessions on principles of problem solving, self-care, symptom management, and advanced care planning, 1 telehealth session on strategies to address healthcare-related financial toxicity, one-time Comprehensive Specialty Outpatient Palliative Care Clinic guided by the National Consensus Project for Quality Palliative Care Guidelines, and a single monthly follow-up call

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

UPHOLDS (Utilizing Palliative Care for Heart Failure Optimized using Lay Navigators to Decrease Suffering)

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

UPHOLDS is a multicomponent, lay palliative care coach-led supportive care intervention designed to improve quality of life in individuals with advanced heart failure. In a series of weekly, one-on-one, 15-20 minute sessions, participants receive psychoeducation on palliative care principles (problem solving, self-care, symptom management, and advanced care planning), financial coaching (orientation to normalizing financial distress, introducing healthcare-related financial terms, exploring financial needs and steps to discussing finances in care decisions, and identifying financial resources in the health system and community), a one-time specialty palliative care outpatient clinic visit, as well as monthly follow-up.

Basic palliative care coaching + financial coaching + outpatient visit + 4 monthly follow-up calls

4 telehealth sessions on principles of problem solving, self-care, symptom management, and advanced care planning, 1 telehealth session on strategies to address healthcare-related financial toxicity, one-time Comprehensive Specialty Outpatient Palliative Care Clinic guided by the National Consensus Project for Quality Palliative Care Guidelines, and monthly follow-up calls for 4 months

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

UPHOLDS (Utilizing Palliative Care for Heart Failure Optimized using Lay Navigators to Decrease Suffering)

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

UPHOLDS is a multicomponent, lay palliative care coach-led supportive care intervention designed to improve quality of life in individuals with advanced heart failure. In a series of weekly, one-on-one, 15-20 minute sessions, participants receive psychoeducation on palliative care principles (problem solving, self-care, symptom management, and advanced care planning), financial coaching (orientation to normalizing financial distress, introducing healthcare-related financial terms, exploring financial needs and steps to discussing finances in care decisions, and identifying financial resources in the health system and community), a one-time specialty palliative care outpatient clinic visit, as well as monthly follow-up.

Advanced palliative care coaching + financial coaching + outpatient visit + 1 monthly follow-up call

8 telehealth sessions on principles of self-care, symptom management, and advanced care planning: This component level will expand the depth and topic range of content offered in the 4 sessions into eight 20-30 minute sessions, 1 telehealth session on strategies to address healthcare-related financial toxicity, one-time Comprehensive Specialty Outpatient Palliative Care Clinic guided by the National Consensus Project for Quality Palliative Care Guidelines, and a single monthly follow-up call

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

UPHOLDS (Utilizing Palliative Care for Heart Failure Optimized using Lay Navigators to Decrease Suffering)

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

UPHOLDS is a multicomponent, lay palliative care coach-led supportive care intervention designed to improve quality of life in individuals with advanced heart failure. In a series of weekly, one-on-one, 15-20 minute sessions, participants receive psychoeducation on palliative care principles (problem solving, self-care, symptom management, and advanced care planning), financial coaching (orientation to normalizing financial distress, introducing healthcare-related financial terms, exploring financial needs and steps to discussing finances in care decisions, and identifying financial resources in the health system and community), a one-time specialty palliative care outpatient clinic visit, as well as monthly follow-up.

Advanced palliative care coaching + financial coaching + outpatient visit + 4 monthly followup calls

8 telehealth sessions on principles of self-care, symptom management, and advanced care planning: This component level will expand the depth and topic range of content offered in the 4 sessions into eight 20-30 minute sessions,1 telehealth session on strategies to address healthcare-related financial toxicity, one-time Comprehensive Specialty Outpatient Palliative Care Clinic guided by the National Consensus Project for Quality Palliative Care Guidelines, and monthly follow-up calls for 4 months

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

UPHOLDS (Utilizing Palliative Care for Heart Failure Optimized using Lay Navigators to Decrease Suffering)

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

UPHOLDS is a multicomponent, lay palliative care coach-led supportive care intervention designed to improve quality of life in individuals with advanced heart failure. In a series of weekly, one-on-one, 15-20 minute sessions, participants receive psychoeducation on palliative care principles (problem solving, self-care, symptom management, and advanced care planning), financial coaching (orientation to normalizing financial distress, introducing healthcare-related financial terms, exploring financial needs and steps to discussing finances in care decisions, and identifying financial resources in the health system and community), a one-time specialty palliative care outpatient clinic visit, as well as monthly follow-up.

Advanced palliative care coaching + outpatient visit + 1 monthly follow-up call

8 telehealth sessions on principles of self-care, symptom management, and advanced care planning: This component level will expand the depth and topic range of content offered in the 4 sessions into eight 20-30 minute sessions, one-time Comprehensive Specialty Outpatient Palliative Care Clinic guided by the National Consensus Project for Quality Palliative Care Guidelines, and a single monthly follow-up call

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

UPHOLDS (Utilizing Palliative Care for Heart Failure Optimized using Lay Navigators to Decrease Suffering)

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

UPHOLDS is a multicomponent, lay palliative care coach-led supportive care intervention designed to improve quality of life in individuals with advanced heart failure. In a series of weekly, one-on-one, 15-20 minute sessions, participants receive psychoeducation on palliative care principles (problem solving, self-care, symptom management, and advanced care planning), financial coaching (orientation to normalizing financial distress, introducing healthcare-related financial terms, exploring financial needs and steps to discussing finances in care decisions, and identifying financial resources in the health system and community), a one-time specialty palliative care outpatient clinic visit, as well as monthly follow-up.

Advanced palliative care coaching + outpatient visit + 4 monthly follow-up calls

8 telehealth sessions on principles of self-care, symptom management, and advanced care planning: This component level will expand the depth and topic range of content offered in the 4 sessions into eight 20-30 minute sessions, one-time Comprehensive Specialty Outpatient Palliative Care Clinic guided by the National Consensus Project for Quality Palliative Care Guidelines, and monthly follow-up calls for 4 months

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

UPHOLDS (Utilizing Palliative Care for Heart Failure Optimized using Lay Navigators to Decrease Suffering)

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

UPHOLDS is a multicomponent, lay palliative care coach-led supportive care intervention designed to improve quality of life in individuals with advanced heart failure. In a series of weekly, one-on-one, 15-20 minute sessions, participants receive psychoeducation on palliative care principles (problem solving, self-care, symptom management, and advanced care planning), financial coaching (orientation to normalizing financial distress, introducing healthcare-related financial terms, exploring financial needs and steps to discussing finances in care decisions, and identifying financial resources in the health system and community), a one-time specialty palliative care outpatient clinic visit, as well as monthly follow-up.

Basic palliative care coaching + financial coaching + 1 monthly follow-up call

4 telehealth sessions on principles of problem solving, self-care, symptom management, and advanced care planning, 1 telehealth session on strategies to address healthcare-related financial toxicity, and a single monthly follow-up call

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

UPHOLDS (Utilizing Palliative Care for Heart Failure Optimized using Lay Navigators to Decrease Suffering)

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

UPHOLDS is a multicomponent, lay palliative care coach-led supportive care intervention designed to improve quality of life in individuals with advanced heart failure. In a series of weekly, one-on-one, 15-20 minute sessions, participants receive psychoeducation on palliative care principles (problem solving, self-care, symptom management, and advanced care planning), financial coaching (orientation to normalizing financial distress, introducing healthcare-related financial terms, exploring financial needs and steps to discussing finances in care decisions, and identifying financial resources in the health system and community), a one-time specialty palliative care outpatient clinic visit, as well as monthly follow-up.

Basic palliative care coaching + financial coaching + 4 monthly follow-up calls

4 telehealth sessions on principles of problem solving, self-care, symptom management, and advanced care planning, 1 telehealth session on strategies to address healthcare-related financial toxicity, and monthly follow-up calls for 4 months

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

UPHOLDS (Utilizing Palliative Care for Heart Failure Optimized using Lay Navigators to Decrease Suffering)

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

UPHOLDS is a multicomponent, lay palliative care coach-led supportive care intervention designed to improve quality of life in individuals with advanced heart failure. In a series of weekly, one-on-one, 15-20 minute sessions, participants receive psychoeducation on palliative care principles (problem solving, self-care, symptom management, and advanced care planning), financial coaching (orientation to normalizing financial distress, introducing healthcare-related financial terms, exploring financial needs and steps to discussing finances in care decisions, and identifying financial resources in the health system and community), a one-time specialty palliative care outpatient clinic visit, as well as monthly follow-up.

Basic palliative care coaching + 1 monthly follow-up call

4 telehealth sessions on principles of problem solving, self-care, symptom management, and advanced care planning, and a single monthly follow-up call

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

UPHOLDS (Utilizing Palliative Care for Heart Failure Optimized using Lay Navigators to Decrease Suffering)

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

UPHOLDS is a multicomponent, lay palliative care coach-led supportive care intervention designed to improve quality of life in individuals with advanced heart failure. In a series of weekly, one-on-one, 15-20 minute sessions, participants receive psychoeducation on palliative care principles (problem solving, self-care, symptom management, and advanced care planning), financial coaching (orientation to normalizing financial distress, introducing healthcare-related financial terms, exploring financial needs and steps to discussing finances in care decisions, and identifying financial resources in the health system and community), a one-time specialty palliative care outpatient clinic visit, as well as monthly follow-up.

Basic palliative care coaching + 4 monthly follow-up calls

4 telehealth sessions on principles of problem solving, self-care, symptom management, and advanced care planning, and monthly follow-up calls for 4 months

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

UPHOLDS (Utilizing Palliative Care for Heart Failure Optimized using Lay Navigators to Decrease Suffering)

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

UPHOLDS is a multicomponent, lay palliative care coach-led supportive care intervention designed to improve quality of life in individuals with advanced heart failure. In a series of weekly, one-on-one, 15-20 minute sessions, participants receive psychoeducation on palliative care principles (problem solving, self-care, symptom management, and advanced care planning), financial coaching (orientation to normalizing financial distress, introducing healthcare-related financial terms, exploring financial needs and steps to discussing finances in care decisions, and identifying financial resources in the health system and community), a one-time specialty palliative care outpatient clinic visit, as well as monthly follow-up.

Advanced palliative care coaching + financial coaching + 1 monthly follow-up call

8 telehealth sessions on principles of self-care, symptom management, and advanced care planning: This component level will expand the depth and topic range of content offered in the 4 sessions into eight 20-30 minute sessions, 1 telehealth session on strategies to address healthcare-related financial toxicity, and a single monthly follow-up call

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

UPHOLDS (Utilizing Palliative Care for Heart Failure Optimized using Lay Navigators to Decrease Suffering)

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

UPHOLDS is a multicomponent, lay palliative care coach-led supportive care intervention designed to improve quality of life in individuals with advanced heart failure. In a series of weekly, one-on-one, 15-20 minute sessions, participants receive psychoeducation on palliative care principles (problem solving, self-care, symptom management, and advanced care planning), financial coaching (orientation to normalizing financial distress, introducing healthcare-related financial terms, exploring financial needs and steps to discussing finances in care decisions, and identifying financial resources in the health system and community), a one-time specialty palliative care outpatient clinic visit, as well as monthly follow-up.

Advanced palliative care coaching + financial coaching + 4 monthly follow-up calls

8 telehealth sessions on principles of self-care, symptom management, and advanced care planning: This component level will expand the depth and topic range of content offered in the 4 sessions into eight 20-30 minute sessions, 1 telehealth session on strategies to address healthcare-related financial toxicity, and monthly follow-up calls for 4 months

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

UPHOLDS (Utilizing Palliative Care for Heart Failure Optimized using Lay Navigators to Decrease Suffering)

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

UPHOLDS is a multicomponent, lay palliative care coach-led supportive care intervention designed to improve quality of life in individuals with advanced heart failure. In a series of weekly, one-on-one, 15-20 minute sessions, participants receive psychoeducation on palliative care principles (problem solving, self-care, symptom management, and advanced care planning), financial coaching (orientation to normalizing financial distress, introducing healthcare-related financial terms, exploring financial needs and steps to discussing finances in care decisions, and identifying financial resources in the health system and community), a one-time specialty palliative care outpatient clinic visit, as well as monthly follow-up.

Advanced palliative care coaching + 1 monthly follow-up call

8 telehealth sessions on principles of self-care, symptom management, and advanced care planning: This component level will expand the depth and topic range of content offered in the 4 sessions into eight 20-30 minute sessions, and a single monthly follow-up call

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

UPHOLDS (Utilizing Palliative Care for Heart Failure Optimized using Lay Navigators to Decrease Suffering)

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

UPHOLDS is a multicomponent, lay palliative care coach-led supportive care intervention designed to improve quality of life in individuals with advanced heart failure. In a series of weekly, one-on-one, 15-20 minute sessions, participants receive psychoeducation on palliative care principles (problem solving, self-care, symptom management, and advanced care planning), financial coaching (orientation to normalizing financial distress, introducing healthcare-related financial terms, exploring financial needs and steps to discussing finances in care decisions, and identifying financial resources in the health system and community), a one-time specialty palliative care outpatient clinic visit, as well as monthly follow-up.

Advanced palliative care coaching + 4 monthly follow-up calls

8 telehealth sessions on principles of self-care, symptom management, and advanced care planning: This component level will expand the depth and topic range of content offered in the 4 sessions into eight 20-30 minute sessions and monthly follow-up calls for 4 months

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

UPHOLDS (Utilizing Palliative Care for Heart Failure Optimized using Lay Navigators to Decrease Suffering)

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

UPHOLDS is a multicomponent, lay palliative care coach-led supportive care intervention designed to improve quality of life in individuals with advanced heart failure. In a series of weekly, one-on-one, 15-20 minute sessions, participants receive psychoeducation on palliative care principles (problem solving, self-care, symptom management, and advanced care planning), financial coaching (orientation to normalizing financial distress, introducing healthcare-related financial terms, exploring financial needs and steps to discussing finances in care decisions, and identifying financial resources in the health system and community), a one-time specialty palliative care outpatient clinic visit, as well as monthly follow-up.

Interventions

UPHOLDS (Utilizing Palliative Care for Heart Failure Optimized using Lay Navigators to Decrease Suffering)

UPHOLDS is a multicomponent, lay palliative care coach-led supportive care intervention designed to improve quality of life in individuals with advanced heart failure. In a series of weekly, one-on-one, 15-20 minute sessions, participants receive psychoeducation on palliative care principles (problem solving, self-care, symptom management, and advanced care planning), financial coaching (orientation to normalizing financial distress, introducing healthcare-related financial terms, exploring financial needs and steps to discussing finances in care decisions, and identifying financial resources in the health system and community), a one-time specialty palliative care outpatient clinic visit, as well as monthly follow-up.

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

1) Age ≥50 years; 2) Living with heart failure, defined as New York Heart Association Class II-IV or American Heart Association Stage C/D OR Recent hospitalization with primary diagnosis of acute, decompensated heart failure (discharged < last 6 months); 3) English speaking; 4) Willingness to participate in intervention and complete data collection calls; 5) Telephone access.

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Exclusion Criteria

1) Self-reported severe mental illness (i.e., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depressive disorder), dementia, active suicidal ideation, or active substance abuse; 2) LVAD placement; 3) Non-cardiac terminal illness; 4) Previous palliative care consultation; 5) Receiving hospice

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• Minimum Eligible Age: 50 Years
• Eligible Sex: ALL
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

Sponsors

National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR)

NIH

Sponsor Role: collaborator

University of Alabama at Birmingham

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Rachel Wells

Assistant Professor

Responsibility Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Locations

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Birmingham, Alabama, United States

Countries

United States

Other Identifiers

4R00NR019854-03

Identifier Type: NIH

Identifier Source: secondary_id

View Link

IRB-300011233

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id