Although disease management programs for patients with heart failure (HF) are effective, they are often resource intensive, limiting their uptake. In this randomized controlled trial, CMCD-affiliated investigator, Michele Heisler evaluated a novel approach to improving HF self-management and outcomes via peer support. Reciprocal peer support (RPS) arm patients participated in a HF nurse practitioner-led goal setting group session, received brief training in peer communication skills, and were paired with another participant with whom they were encouraged to talk weekly.
CMCD developed a specialize telephone platform allowing RPS pairs to talk regularly without sharing personal information. While trial results did not identify intervention impacts, the approach to peer-support facilitated by new communication tools remains promising and a priority in CMCD.
Learn more about the Peer-to-Peer Support Program.
For more information, contact Rebecca Mase at rmase@umich.edu.
Categories:
Heart Failure, Informal Caregivers, Telephone, Veterans
