Coaching patients On Achieving Cardiovascular Health (COACH): a multicenter randomized trial in patients with coronary heart disease

Health and Wellness Coaching for 5-Year Projected Cardiovascular Health: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background and Objectives

Evidence of effective multifactorial lifestyle interventions for primary stroke prevention is lacking, despite the significant contribution of lifestyle to stroke burden. We aimed to determine the efficacy of health and wellness coaching (HWC) for primary stroke and cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention in adults at a moderate-to-high CVD risk.

Methods

This was a parallel, 2-arm, open-label, single-blinded, phase III randomized controlled trial to determine the efficacy of HWC for primary stroke prevention in individuals 30 years and older with a 5-year CVD risk ≥10% as measured by 5-year absolute CVD risk (as measured by the PREDICT tool) at 9 months post-randomization. Eligible participants were those with a 5-year CVD risk ≥10%, with no history of stroke, transient ischemic attack, or myocardial infarction. The relative risk reduction (RRR) and odds ratios (OR) were evaluated separately in those at moderate (10%-14%) 5-year CVD risk and those at high risk (≥15%) at baseline. The Life's Simple 7 (LS7) score for lifestyle-related CVD risk, as the indicator of cardiovascular health, was a key secondary outcome.

Results

Of a total of 320 participants, 161 were randomized to the HWC group and 159 to the usual care (UC) group. HWC resulted in a statistically significant RRR of -10.9 (95% CI -21.0 to -0.9) in 5-year CVD risk in the higher CVD risk group but no change in the moderate risk group. An improvement in the total LS7 score was seen in the HWC group compared with the UC group (absolute difference = 0.485, 95% CI [0.073 to 0.897], p = 0.02). Improvement in blood pressure scores was statistically significantly greater in the HWC group than in the UC group for those at high risk of CVD (OR 2.28 [95% CI 1.12 to 4.63] and 1.55 [0.80 to 3.01], respectively). No statistically significant differences in mood scores, medication adherence, quality of life, and satisfaction with life scores over time or between groups were seen.

Discussion

Health and wellness coaching resulted in a significant RRR in the 5-year CVD risk compared with UC at 9 months post-randomization in patients with a high baseline CVD risk. There was no improvement in CVD risk in the moderate risk group; hence, this study did not meet the primary hypothesis. However, this treatment effect is clinically significant (number needed to treat was 43). The findings suggest that HWC has potential if further refined to improve lifestyle risk factors of stroke.

Technology-Enabled Collaborative Care for Type-2 Diabetes and Mental Health (TECC-D): Findings From a Mixed Methods Feasibility Trial of a Responsive Co-Designed Virtual Health Coaching Intervention

Introduction

Type-2 diabetes (T2D) is a complex chronic condition associated with a lower quality of life due to disease specific distress. While there is growing support for personalized diabetes programs, care for mental health challenges is often fragmented and limited by access to psychiatry, and integration of care. The use of communication technology to improve team based collaborative care to bridge these gaps is promising but untested.

Methods

We conducted an explanatory sequential mixed methods study to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the co-designed Technology-Enabled Collaborative Care for Diabetes and Mental Health (TECC-D) program. Participants included adults aged ≥18 years who had a clinical diagnosis of T2D, and self-reported mental health concerns.

Results

31 participants completed the 8-week virtual TECC-D program. Findings indicate that the program is feasible and acceptable and indicate that there is a role for virtual diabetes and mental health care.

Discussion

The TECC-D program, designed through an iterative co-design process and supported by innovative, responsive adaptations led to good uptake and satisfaction.

Conclusion

The TECC-D model is a feasible and scalable care solution that empowers individuals living with T2D and mental health concerns to take an active role in their care.

Effective Behavior Change Techniques in Digital Health Interventions for the Prevention or Management of Noncommunicable Diseases: An Umbrella Review

BACKGROUND

Despite an abundance of digital health interventions (DHIs) targeting the prevention and management of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), it is unclear what specific components make a DHI effective.

PURPOSE

This narrative umbrella review aimed to identify the most effective behavior change techniques (BCTs) in DHIs that address the prevention or management of NCDs.

METHODS

Five electronic databases were searched for articles published in English between January 2007 and December 2022. Studies were included if they were systematic reviews or meta-analyses of DHIs targeting the modification of one or more NCD-related risk factors in adults. BCTs were coded using the Behavior Change Technique Taxonomy v1. Study quality was assessed using AMSTAR 2.

RESULTS

Eighty-five articles, spanning 12 health domains and comprising over 865,000 individual participants, were included in the review. We found evidence that DHIs are effective in improving health outcomes for patients with cardiovascular disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, and asthma, and health-related behaviors including physical activity, sedentary behavior, diet, weight management, medication adherence, and abstinence from substance use. There was strong evidence to suggest that credible source, social support, prompts and cues, graded tasks, goals and planning, feedback and monitoring, human coaching and personalization components increase the effectiveness of DHIs targeting the prevention and management of NCDs.

CONCLUSIONS

This review identifies the most common and effective BCTs used in DHIs, which warrant prioritization for integration into future interventions. These findings are critical for the future development and upscaling of DHIs and should inform best practice guidelines.

Hybrid cardiac telerehabilitation for coronary artery disease in Australia: a cost-effectiveness analysis

BACKGROUND

Traditional cardiac rehabilitation programs are centre-based and clinically supervised, with their safety and effectiveness well established. Notwithstanding the established benefits, cardiac rehabilitation remains underutilised. A possible alternative would be a hybrid approach where both centre-based and tele-based methods are combined to deliver cardiac rehabilitation to eligible patients. The objective of this study was to determine the long-term cost-effectiveness of a hybrid cardiac telerehabilitation and if it should be recommended to be implemented in the Australian context.

METHODS

Following a comprehensive literature search, we chose the Telerehab III trial intervention that investigated the effectiveness of a long-term hybrid cardiac telerehabilitation program. We developed a decision analytic model to estimate the cost-effectiveness of the Telerehab III trial using a Markov process. The model included stable cardiac disease and hospitalisation health states and simulations were run using one-month cycles over a five-year time horizon. The threshold for cost-effectiveness was set at $AU 28,000 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY). For the base analysis, we assumed that 80% completed the programme. We tested the robustness of the results using probabilistic sensitivity and scenario analyses.

RESULTS

Telerehab III intervention was more effective but more costly and was not cost-effective, at a threshold of $28,000 per QALY. For every 1,000 patients who undergo cardiac rehabilitation, employing the telerehabilitation intervention would cost $650,000 more, and 5.7 QALYs would be gained, over five years, compared to current practice. Under probabilistic sensitivity analysis, the intervention was cost-effective in only 18% of simulations. Similarly, if the intervention compliance was increased to 90%, it was still unlikely to be cost-effective.

CONCLUSION

Hybrid cardiac telerehabilitation is highly unlikely to be cost-effective compared to the current practice in Australia. Exploration of alternative models of delivering cardiac telerehabilitation is still required. The results presented in this study are useful for policymakers wanting to make informed decisions about investment in hybrid cardiac telerehabilitation programs.

Change in coronary heart disease hospitalization after chronic disease management: a programme policy in China

This study aims at examining changes in coronary heart disease (CHD) hospitalization associated with a novel county-scale chronic disease management (CDM) programme policy implemented in March 2019 in China during the 13th Five-Year period (2016-2020). The CDM programme was designed to improve the health of populations with chronic diseases by means of an integrated way involving both county-level public hospitals and primary care institutes. Data originated from the medical files of CHD inpatients discharged from a secondary hospital from January 2017 to December 2020. A total of 6111 CHD patient records were collected. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to assess changes in hospitalization direct medical costs and length of stay of CHD patients. The mean direct medical cost of CHD hospitalization was 8419.73 Yuan, and the mean length of stay was 7.57 days. Results suggested that the implementation of CDM reduced hospitalization direct medical cost and bed days by about 23% (1956.12 Yuan at means) and 11.5% (almost 1 day at means), respectively. In addition, a further decreasing trend in medical costs over time was associated with chronic disease management. It is implied that chronic disease management is an effective way of relieving the medical and financial burden of hospitalization.

An inevitable or modifiable trajectory towards heart failure in high-risk individuals: insights from the nurse-led intervention for less chronic heart failure (NIL-CHF) study

AIMS

We extended follow-up of a heart failure (HF) prevention study to determine if initially positive findings of improved cardiac recovery were translated into less de novo HF and/or all-cause mortality (primary endpoint) in the longer term.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The Nurse-led Intervention for Less Chronic HF (NIL-CHF) study was a single-centre randomized trial of nurse-led prevention involving cardiac inpatients without HF. At 3 years, 454 survivors (aged 66 ± 11 years, 71% men and 68% coronary artery disease) had the following: (i) a normal echocardiogram (128 cases/28.2%), (ii) structural heart disease (196/43.2%), or (iii) left ventricular diastolic dysfunction/left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVDD/LVSD: 130/28.6%). Outcomes were examined during median 8.3 (interquartile range 7.8-8.8) years according to these hierarchal groups and change in cardiac status from baseline to 3 years. Overall, 109 (24.0%) participants had a de novo HF admission or died while accumulating 551 cardiovascular-related admissions/3643 days of hospital stay. Progressively worse cardiac status correlated with increased hospitalizations (P < 0.001). The mean rate (95% confidence interval) of cardiovascular admissions/days of hospital stay being 0.09 (0.05-0.12) admissions/0.33 (0.13-0.54) days vs. 0.27 (0.20-0.34) admissions/2.20 (1.36-3.04) days per annum for those with a normal echocardiogram vs. LVDD/LVSD at 3 years. With progressively higher event rates, the adjusted hazard ratio for a de novo HF admission and/or death associated with a structural abnormality (24.5% of cases) and LVDD/LVSD (36.2%) at 3 years was 1.57 (0.82-3.01; P = 0.173) and 2.07 (1.05-4.05; P = 0.035) compared with a normal echocardiogram (10.9%). Mortality also mirrored the direction/extent of cardiac status/trajectory.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest the positive initial effects of NIL-CHF intervention on cardiac recovery contributed to better long-term outcomes among patients at high risk of HF. However, prevention of HF remains challenging.

The Role of Exercise-based Cardiac Rehabilitation in Heart Failure

Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (EBCR) is a treatment modality for patients with heart failure (HF) that has withstood the test of time. It has continued to show benefits even in the current era of pharmacotherapeutics for HF. Participation in a multidisciplinary comprehensive EBCR programme reduces mortality and morbidity, has a multitude of physiological benefits, and improves cardiovascular risk factor control and quality of life. Despite this, historical barriers to enrolment and uptake remain. Strategies to overcome these, as well as alternative delivery methods of EBCR in HF patients, are emerging and include telerehabilitation, focus on special groups and emphasis on behavioural change. This review provides oversight on the modalities of exercise training in HF as well as their benefits and gives an overview of barriers to the utilisation of EBCR along with future progress in the field.

The effect of telemedicine on secondary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Aim

The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the efficiency of telemedicine on the secondary level of prevention of patients with arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), provide evidence for the application of telemedicine in secondary prevention and promote the development of telemedicine in secondary prevention.

Methods

A computer-based search was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, Pubmed, EBSCO, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. Randomized controlled trials regarding the effect of telemedicine on secondary prevention of ASCVD were included from inception to May, 2022. Meta-analysis was used to compare the results of the included studies by RevMan5.4 software. The Cochrane Collaboration bias risk tool was used to perform risk of bias assessment in this study. Outcomes included risk factors, physical activity and exercise, muscle function, exercise compliance, medication adherence, healthy diet, depression and anxiety, self-efficacy, knowledge score, economy, and safety endpoints. Subgroup analysis was carried out for different main intervention measures included in the literature.

Results

A total of 32 randomized clinical studies (n = 10 997 participants) were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with usual secondary prevention (USP) group, participants in telemedicine of secondary prevention (TOSP) group showed significant improvement in some risk factors including BMI (MD -0.87, p = 0.002), SBP (MD -4.09, p = 0.007) and DBP (MD -2.91, p = 0.0002) when they use the telephone as the intervention. In physical activity and exercise, Patients in TOSP showed an improvement in VO2 Peak (mL⋅kg-1⋅min-1) (OR 1.58, p = 0.02), 6MWT (MD 21.41, p = 0.001), GSLTPA score (MD 2.89, p = 0.005). Effects on medication adherence, exercise compliance, muscle function, healthy diet, economy and self-efficacy were synthesized narratively. Patients in TOSP did not show a reduction in knowledge score, depression, anxiety and safety endpoints.

Conclusion

There is a net benefit of secondary prevention supported by telemedicine (especially when using the telephone as an intervention) in patients with ASCVD in the terms of some risk factors, physical activity and exercise. There are still controversies in the improvement of medication adherence, exercise compliance, muscle function, healthy diet, knowledge score, self-efficacy and economy via telemedicine, which is worth exploring. Larger samples size and longer-term follow-ups are needed in future studies.

Systematic review registration

[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=330478], identifier [CRD42022330478].

Effects of health coaching on menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal and perimenopausal women

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the effects of health coaching on reducing menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal and perimenopausal women.

METHODS

This randomized controlled study was performed on 94 postmenopausal and perimenopausal women aged 45 to 55 years. The participants were randomly divided into intervention and control groups. In the intervention group, health coaching was performed in five coaching sessions biweekly (30-45 minutes each) by a midwifery coach. The primary outcome of this study was the menopausal score based on the modified Kupperman Index at 4 months after randomization. Depression (based on Zung's Self-Rating Depression Scale), physical activity (based on the International Physical Activity Questionnaire), quality of life (based on the 12-Item Short-Form Survey), smoking, alcohol intake, and anthropometric indices were also evaluated as secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

There was a significant mean difference between the coaching and control groups in terms of change in the scores of menopausal symptoms from baseline (T0) to 4 months after the intervention (T1; -12.51; 95% confidence interval [CI], -10.59 to -14.42; P = 0.001). Moreover, a significant mean difference was observed between the two groups in terms of change in depression symptoms from T0 to T1 (-5.72; 95% CI, -7.61 to -3.83; P < 0.001) and in terms of quality of life (4.13; 95% CI, 2.95 to 5.31; P < 0.001). Health coaching, however, had no effects on the physical activity of the participants.

CONCLUSION

Based on the present results, the coaching intervention is a suitable method to improve quality of life by reducing weight, waist circumference, body mass index, depression, and menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal and perimenopausal women. It can have important effects on the development of health promotion programs to reduce menopausal symptoms in menopause clinics.

Secondary Prevention Risk Interventions via Telemedicine and Tailored Patient Education (SPRITE): A randomized trial to improve post myocardial infarction management

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated the impact of a low intensity web-based and intensive nurse-administered intervention to reduce systolic blood pressure (SBP) among patients with prior MI.

METHODS

Secondary Prevention Risk Interventions via Telemedicine and Tailored Patient Education (SPRITE) was a three-arm trial. Patients were randomized to 1) post-MI education-only; 2) nurse-administered telephone program; or 3) web-based interactive tool. The study was conducted 2009-2013.

RESULTS

Participants (n = 415) had a mean age of 61 years (standard deviation [SD], 11). Relative to the education-only group, the 12-month differential improvement in SBP was - 3.97 and - 3.27 mmHg for nurse-administered telephone and web-based groups, respectively. Neither were statistically significant. Post hoc exploratory subgroup analyses found participants who received a higher dose (>12 encounters) in the nurse-administered telephone intervention (n = 60; 46%) had an 8.8 mmHg (95% CI, 0.69, 16.89; p = 0.03) differential SBP improvement versus low dose (<11 encounters; n = 71; 54%). For the web-based intervention, those who had higher dose (n = 73; 53%; >1 web encounter) experienced a 2.3 mmHg (95% CI, -10.74, 6.14; p = 0.59) differential SBP improvement versus low dose (n = 65; 47%).

CONCLUSIONS

The main effects were not statistically significant.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

Completing the full dose of the intervention may be essential to experience the intervention effect.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

The unique identifier is NCT00901277 (http://www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov/ct2/show/NCT00901277?term=NCT00901277&rank=1).

Historical Context of Cardiac Rehabilitation: Learning From the Past to Move to the Future

Contemporary myocardial infarction (MI) care and management has evolved dramatically since the 1950's; yet outpatient rehabilitation remains underutilized. Deepening our understanding of the origins and history of cardiac rehabilitation highlights a contemporary shift required for policy and practice related to secondary prevention of coronary disease in light of societal changes as well as medical, digital and surgical advancements. Contemporary "cardiac rehabilitation" began when bed rest and physical inactivity was recommended and commonplace for MI survivors. Today, most patients who survive an MI, undergo reperfusion therapy, a short inpatient stay and are discharged with minimal physical morbidity. Despite this, the majority of modern day programs continue to be structured in the same way they have been for the past 50 years and this model has become incongruent with the contemporary context, especially in the COVID-19 era. This review aims to describe the historical foundations of cardiac rehabilitation to inform solutions and meet the demands of contemporary MI management. Delivering health systems reform to address modernization is current healthcare challenge where a united and interdisciplinary effort is needed.

The Effect of Cardiac Rehabilitation on Lipid Levels in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a multidisciplinary medical program. Most studies have emphasized the effect of exercise-based CR in lowering lipid levels; however, the effect of CR as a comprehensive program on lipid levels remains unclear.

Methods

Electronic database were searched up to 2022. Randomized controlled trials with lipid profile indicators were included. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% CIs were used to evaluate the effect size. Begg's funnel plot and Egger's linear regression test were used to assess publication bias.

Results

CR remarkably reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels (SMD = -0.23; 95%CI: [-0.38, -0.08]; P < 0.001), triglyceride (TG) levels (SMD = -0.17; 95%CI: [-0.28, -0.06]; P < 0.001), and total cholesterol (TC) levels (SMD = -0.30; 95%CI: [-0.43, -0.16]; P < 0.001) and increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels (SMD = 0.19; 95%CI: [0.10, 0.29]; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

CR reduce TC, TG, and LDL-C levels while improving HDL-C levels. CR should be promoted and more trials should be conducted for long-term CR.

Nutrition Intervention in Cardiac Rehabilitation: A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE AND STRATEGIES FOR THE FUTURE

OBJECTIVE

Despite guideline consensus that quality of nutrition affects most modifiable cardiovascular disease risk factors, the implementation of dietary interventions varies considerably in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs. The purpose of this review is to highlight the current existing literature and provide recommendations on best practices for nutrition interventions and future research that support secondary prevention outcomes.

REVIEW METHODS

The review examines original investigations, systematic reviews, and guidelines regarding nutrition intervention in CR.

SUMMARY

Nutrition intervention in CR plays an integral role in the success of patients; however, the literature is limited and standardization of practice is in its infancy. The role of a qualified registered dietician nutritionist, standardization of dietary assessments, individualized and intensive nutrition interventions, and application of specific behavior change techniques are central components in improving diet in CR. This review provides an overview of the evidence-based cardioprotective diets, nutritional interventions and behavioral strategies in CR, and explores areas for best practices and opportunities for innovation in the delivery of nutrition intervention in CR.

Complex Adaptive Systems: A Framework for an Integrated Chronic Care Model

Chronic care management is a multidimensional phenomenon involving multilayered interaction, reaction, and adaptation responses to feedback within chronic care micro/macro- systems. Complex adaptive systems (CASs) consider interconnected dynamic relationships between discrete components of systems' internal and external environments. CAS is an applicable framework to examine components and networks within chronic care models. This article considers CAS as a framework for an alternate integrated patient-centered model that incorporates a holistic approach to chronic care. Recognizing relationships, behavioral patterns, and adaptive mechanisms informs health systems and health policy to influence service excellence improvements and quality of care and life within chronic disease populations.

What Do US Physicians and Patients Think About Lipid-Lowering Therapy and Goals of Treatment? Results From the GOULD Registry

Background

Because of an increasing number and complexity of treatment options for lipid‐lowering therapy in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, guidelines recommend greater active involvement of patients in shared decision‐making. However, patients' understanding and perceptions of the benefits, risks, and treatment objectives of lipid‐lowering therapy are unknown.

Methods and Results

Structured questionnaires were conducted in 5006 US outpatients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and suboptimal low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) control (LDL‐C ≥70 mg/dL) or on a PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9) inhibitor and in 113 physician providers as a part of the GOULD (Getting to an Improved Understanding of Low‐Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Dyslipidemia Management) Registry. Mean age of the patients was 68±10 years, 60% were men, and 86% were White race. Across all patients, 63% believed heart disease was the leading cause of death in men and 46% the leading cause of death in women. Only 28% of patients thought the primary reason they were taking lipid‐lowering medication was to lower the risk of heart attack or stroke, 68% did not know their approximate LDL‐C level, and 69% did not know their LDL‐C goal. Patients on PCSK9 inhibitors (versus LDL‐C cohort), younger patients (versus age ≥65 years), and men (versus women) were somewhat more knowledgeable about their disease and its management. Most physicians (66%) felt that a lack of understanding of the importance and efficacy of statins was the primary factor contributing to nonadherence, as opposed to costs (9%) or side effects (1%). More education was the most commonly used strategy to address patient‐reported side effects.

Conclusions

A large proportion of patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease remain unaware of their underlying atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk, reasons for taking lipid‐lowering medications, current LDL‐C levels, or treatment goals. These data highlight a large education gap which, if addressed, may improve shared decision‐making and treatment adherence.

Registration

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.org; Unique identifier: NCT02993120.

Nurse-based secondary preventive follow-up by telephone reduced recurrence of cardiovascular events: a randomised controlled trial

Enhanced follow-up is needed to improve the results of secondary preventive care in patients with established cardiovascular disease. We examined the effect of long-term, nurse-based, secondary preventive follow-up by telephone on the recurrence of cardiovascular events. Open, randomised, controlled trial with two parallel groups. Between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2014, consecutive patients (n = 1890) admitted to hospital due to stroke, transient ischaemic attack (TIA), or acute coronary syndrome (ACS) were included. Participants were randomised (1:1) to nurse-based telephone follow-up (intervention, n = 944) or usual care (control, n = 946) and followed until 31 December 2017. The primary endpoint was a composite of stroke, myocardial infarction, cardiac revascularisation, and cardiovascular death. The individual components of the primary endpoint, TIA, and all-cause mortality were analysed as secondary endpoints. The assessment of outcome events was blinded to study group assignment. After a mean follow-up of 4.5 years, 22.7% (n = 214) of patients in the intervention group and 27.1% (n = 256) in the control group reached the primary composite endpoint (HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.68-0.97; ARR 4.4%, 95% CI 0.5-8.3). Secondary endpoints did not differ significantly between groups. Nurse-based secondary preventive follow-up by telephone reduced the recurrence of cardiovascular events during long-term follow-up.

SMARTphone-based, early cardiac REHABilitation in patients with acute coronary syndromes: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

There are well-documented treatment gaps in secondary prevention of coronary heart disease with a lack of clearly defined strategies to assist early physical activity after acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Smartphone technology may provide an innovative platform to close these gaps.

OBJECTIVES

The primary goal of this study was to assess whether a smartphone-based, early cardiac rehabilitation program improved exercise capacity in patients with ACS.

METHODS

A total of 206 patients with ACS across six tertiary Australian hospitals were included in this randomized controlled trial. Participants were randomized to usual care (UC; including referral to traditional cardiac rehabilitation), with or without an adjunctive smartphone-based cardiac rehabilitation program (S-CRP) upon hospital discharge. The primary endpoint was change in exercise capacity, measured by the change in 6-minute walk test distance at 8 weeks when compared to baseline, between groups. Secondary endpoints included uptake and adherence to cardiac rehabilitation, changes in cardiac risk factors, psychological well-being and quality of life status.

RESULTS

Of the 168 patients with complete follow-up (age 56 ± 10 years; 16% females), 83 were in the S-CRP. At 8-week follow-up, the S-CRP group had a clinically significant improvement in 6-minute walk test distance (Δ117 ± 76 vs. Δ91 ± 110 m; P = 0.02). Patients in the S-CRP were more likely to participate (87% vs. 51%, P < 0.001) and adhere (72% vs. 22%, P < 0.001) to a cardiac rehabilitation program. Compared to UC, patients receiving S-CRP had similar smoking cessation rates, LDL-cholesterol levels, blood pressure reduction, depression, anxiety and quality of life measures (all P = NS).

CONCLUSION

In patients with ACS, a S-CRP, as an adjunct to UC improved exercise capacity at 8 weeks in addition to participation and adherence to cardiac rehabilitation (Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry; ACTRN12616000426482).

Poor adherence to lifestyle recommendations in patients with coronary heart disease: results from the EUROASPIRE surveys

AIMS 

Despite the high use of cardioprotective medications, the risk factor control in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) is still inadequate. Guidelines identify healthy lifestyles as equally important in secondary prevention as pharmacotherapy. Here, we describe reasons for poor lifestyle adherence from the patient's perspective.

METHODS AND RESULTS 

In the EUROASPIRE IV and V surveys, 16 259 CHD patients were examined and interviewed during a study visit ≥6 months after hospital discharge. Data gathering was fully standardized. The Brief Illness Perception questionnaire was completed by a subsample of 2379 patients. Half of those who were smoking prior to hospital admission, were still smoking; 37% of current smokers had not attempted to quit and 51% was not considering to do so. The prevalence of obesity was 38%. Half of obese patients tried to lose weight in the past month and 61% considered weight loss in the following month. In relation to physical activity, 40% was on target with half of patients trying to do more everyday activities. Less than half had the intention to engage in planned exercise. Only 29% of all patients was at goal for all three lifestyle factors. The number of adverse lifestyles was strongly related to the way patients perceive their illness as threatening. Lifestyle modifications were more successful in those having participated in a cardiac rehabilitation and prevention programme. Patients indicated lack of self-confidence as the main barrier to change their unhealthy behaviour.

CONCLUSION 

Modern secondary prevention programmes should target behavioural change in all patients with adverse lifestyles.

Health coaching provided by registered nurses described: a systematic review and narrative synthesis

Aims

The aim of this systematic review and narrative synthesis was to identify how and why health coaching is delivered by Registered Nurses.

Design

Systematic review and narrative synthesis.

Data sources

Articles were identified through a search of CINAHL, Medline, Scopus, and PsychINFO databases. Articles published in English between 2010 and 2021 were included.

Review Methods

Quality appraisal of relevant literature was independently undertaken by two authors to assess for risk of bias. The Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) was used to appraise quality of potential papers.

Results

A main purpose of coaching by Registered Nurses is to optimise patient self-care. How coaching was conducted varied across studies, with the most common coaching approaches via telephone or online. Majority of studies highlight some effectiveness of coaching by nurses; however, some results were inconclusive. Health coaching generally reduced mental distress. Other benefits reported by patients included reduced pain and fatigue. Outcomes for changing lifestyle behaviours were mixed. However, for health coaching to be efficient greater evidence is needed to determine length of time to use coaching, number of habits to focus on to produce change, and to determine best training for coaches.

Conclusions

Registered Nurses are most suitable for implementing health coaching for self-care, including preventing and managing chronic illness and recovering from situations like post-surgical needs. Nurses already promote health, and therefore, are skilled in educating people in self-care. Coaching is an additional strategy for motivating, targeting and assessing progress of self-care. Extending the scope of nursing practice to routinely coach in self-care would be ideal.

Nurse co-ordinated health and lifestyle modification for reducing multiple cardio-metabolic risk factors in regional adults: outcomes from the MODERN randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND 

Nurse-led health and lifestyle modification programmes can prevent cardio-metabolic diseases and be advantageous where health disparities exist.

AIMS 

To assess the effectiveness of a nurse-driven health and lifestyle modification programme in improving cardio-metabolic risk parameters for higher-risk regional residing adults.

METHODS 

We conducted an open, parallel-group randomized controlled trial in two sites. Participants were aged 40-70 years with no prior cardiovascular disease who had any three or more of; central obesity, elevated triglycerides, reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, elevated blood pressure (BP) and dysglycaemia. Intervention participants received individual face-to-face and telephone coaching for improving cardio-metabolic risk. Control group participants received standard care and general information about risk factor management. The primary endpoint was the percentage of participants who achieved the target risk factor thresholds or clinically significant minimum changes for any three or more cardio-metabolic risk factors during 24 months of follow-up.

RESULTS 

Participant average age was 57.6 (SD 7.6) years, 61% were female and 71% were employed. The primary endpoint was achieved by 76% intervention (97 of 127) and 71% usual care (92 of 129) participants [adjusted risk ratio (RR): 1.08; 95% CI 0.94, 1.24; P = 0.298]. Improved BP in the intervention group was more likely than in the control group (84% vs. 65%) (adj. RR: 1.28; 95% CI 1.11, 1.48; P = 0.001) but no other cardio-metabolic component.

CONCLUSION 

Nurse intervention to modify cardio-metabolic risk parameters had no enhanced effectiveness compared with usual care. However, participation was associated with improvements in cardio-metabolic abnormalities, with particular emphasis on BP.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (ACTRN12616000229471).

A Motivational Telephone Intervention to Reduce Early Dropouts in Cardiac Rehabilitation: A FEASIBILITY PILOT STUDY

PURPOSE

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) improves outcomes, yet early dropout is common. The purpose of the study was to determine whether a motivational telephone intervention among patients at risk for nonadherence would reduce early dropouts.

METHODS

We performed a randomized double-blind pilot study with the intervention group receiving the telephone intervention 1 to 3 d after outpatient CR orientation. The control group received the standard of care, which did not routinely monitor attendance until 2 wk after orientation. The primary outcome was the percentage of patients who attended their second exercise session as scheduled. Secondary outcomes included attendance at the second CR session at any point and total number of sessions attended. Because not everyone randomized to the intervention was able to be contacted, we also conducted a per-protocol analysis.

RESULTS

One hundred patients were randomized to 2 groups (age 62 ± 15 yr, 46% male, 40% with myocardial infarction) with 49 in the intervention group. Patients who received the intervention were more likely to attend their second session as scheduled compared with the standard of care (80% vs 49%; relative risk = 1.62; 95% CI, 1.18-2.22). Although there was no difference in total number of sessions between groups, there was a statistically significant improvement in overall return rate among the per-protocol group (87% vs 66%; relative risk = 1.31; 95% CI, 1.05-1.63).

CONCLUSIONS

A nursing-based telephone intervention targeted to patients at risk for early dropout shortly after their CR orientation improved both on-time and eventual return rates. This straightforward strategy represents an attractive adjunct to improve adherence to outpatient CR.

Effects of health coaching on behavioral modification among adults with cardiovascular risk factors: Systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

This meta-analysis examined effects of health coaching on physical activities, dietary behaviors, health responsibility, stress management, and smoking behaviors among populations with cardiovascular risk factors.

METHODS

Multiple electronic databases were searched for randomized controlled trials utilizing health coaching for people with cardiovascular risk factors to lead behavioral changes. The included studies were pooled to estimate the effect size for health coaching interventions on each of the health behaviors.

RESULTS

This meta-analysis included 15 randomized trials. Motivational interviewing and education sessions were common coaching interventions with telephone calls or face-to-face contacts as the main contact methods. Health coaching for health behaviors showed small but significant effect sizes on physical activities, dietary behaviors, health responsibility, and stress management except for smoking behaviors.

CONCLUSION

The study findings support that health coaching can induce positive behavioral changes among individuals with cardiovascular risk factors. Health coaching delivered by either expert or peer coaches would be easy to apply in clinical settings.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

Health care professionals should be aware that health coaching could provide effective motivation strategies to improve compliance of those who need to initiate and maintain their health behaviors. Health coaching could be easily delivered via telephone calls, text messages, or short-term face-to-face coaching.

Effects of telephone-based health coaching on patient-reported outcomes and health behavior change: A randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

Telephone based health coaching (TBHC) seems to be a promising approach to foster self-management in patients with chronic conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a TBHC on patient-reported outcomes and health behavior for people living with chronic conditions in Germany.

METHODS

Patients insured at a statutory health insurance were randomized to an intervention group (IG; TBHC) and a control group (CG; usual care), using a stratified random allocation before giving informed consent (Zelen's single-consent design). The TBHC was based on motivational interviewing, goal setting, and shared decision-making and carried out by trained nurses. All outcomes were assessed yearly for three years. We used mixed effects models utilizing all available data in a modified intention-to-treat sample for the main analysis. Participants and study centers were included as random effects. All models were adjusted for age, education and campaign affiliation.

RESULTS

Of the 10,815 invited patients, 4,283 returned their questionnaires at baseline. The mean age was 67.23 years (SD = 9.3); 55.5% were female. According to the model, TBHC was statistically significant superior to CG regarding 6 of 19 outcomes: physical activity in hours per week (p = .030) and in metabolic rate per week (p = .048), BMI (p = .009) (although mainly at baseline), measuring blood pressure (p< .001), patient activation (p< .001), and health literacy (p< .001). Regarding stages of change (p = .005), the IG group also showed statistically different results than the CG group, however the conclusion remains inconclusive. Within-group contrasts indicating changes from baseline to follow-ups and significant between-group comparisons regarding these changes supported the findings. Standardized effect sizes were small. TBHC did not show any effect on mental QoL, health status, alcohol, smoking, adherence, measuring blood sugar, foot monitoring, anxiety, depression and distress. Campaign-specific subgroup effects were detected for 'foot monitoring by a physician' and 'blood sugar measurement'.

CONCLUSION

TBHC interventions might have small effects on some patient reported and behavioral outcomes.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Future research should focus on analyzing which intervention components are effective and who profits most from TBHC interventions.

REGISTRATION

German Clinical Trials Register (Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien; DRKS): DRKS00000584.

The effects of nurse-led health coaching on health-related quality of life and clinical health outcomes among frequent attenders: A quasi-experimental study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of the nurse-led health coaching on health-related quality of life and clinical health outcomes among frequent attenders in primary healthcare.

METHODS

A quasi-experimental study design. A total of 110 patients were enrolled in the study. The experimental group (n = 52) received nurse-led health coaching and the control group (n = 58) received the usual care at primary health care centres in Finland. The data were collected before the intervention and 12 months via a questionnaire of health-related quality of life and clinical health outcomes as measured by health-coaching nurses.

RESULTS

This study found frequent attenders have low health-related quality of life. The nurse-led health coaching showed no differences in health-related quality of life between the experimental and control groups. However, the nurse-led health coaching had statistically significant effects on the blood pressure and health-related quality of life among the experimental participants, especially in emotional role limitation and energy.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that nurse-led health coaching may lead to an improvement in the health-related quality of life and blood pressure among frequent attenders.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

The health-coaching sessions with own health-coaching nurses and action plans support the frequent attenders´ health promotion goals and implementation.

Health and wellness coaching positively impacts individuals with chronic pain and pain-related interference

Objectives

Health and wellness coaching (HWC) interventions have been reported to improve health outcomes for individuals with chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or cancer. However, HWC also holds potential as an effective intervention within a biopsychosocial chronic pain management framework. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of HWC on individuals with chronic pain.

Methods

Participants were referred by their primary care provider or insurance company to a comprehensive telephonic 12-month pain management HWC program. Relationships between pain outcomes and physical and psychological factors were retrospectively analyzed. Mixed linear-effects modeling explored whether physical and psychological variables were associated with pain outcomes over time.

Results

Four hundred nineteen participants (female, 58.9%; mean age, 54.8) enrolled in the program and 181 completed the intervention. After 12 months in the program, statistically and clinically significant reductions were observed for pain intensity (Hedges’ g = 1.00) and pain-related interference (Hedges’ g = 1.13). Linear mixed-effects modeling indicated that improvements in physical functioning and psychological factors were associated with improvements in pain intensity.

Discussion

Our results provide a novel analysis on the effects of HWC on chronic pain and pain-related interference. HWC appears to be a promising intervention to improve pain-related outcomes in a population with chronic pain. Further investigation of HWC as an intervention for chronic pain is warranted.

Optimising Secondary Prevention and Cardiac Rehabilitation for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Position Statement From the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSANZ)

BACKGROUND

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has introduced a major disruption to the delivery of routine health care across the world. This provides challenges for the use of secondary prevention measures in patients with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of this Position Statement is to review the implications for effective delivery of secondary prevention strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

CHALLENGES

The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced limitations for many patients to access standard health services such as visits to health care professionals, medications, imaging and blood tests as well as attendance at cardiac rehabilitation. In addition, the pandemic is having an impact on lifestyle habits and mental health. Taken together, this has the potential to adversely impact the ability of practitioners and patients to adhere to treatment guidelines for the prevention of recurrent cardiovascular events.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Every effort should be made to deliver safe, ongoing access to health care professionals and the use of evidenced based therapies in individuals with CVD. An increase in use of a range of electronic health platforms has the potential to transform secondary prevention. Integrating research programs that evaluate the utility of these approaches may provide important insights into how to develop more optimal approaches to secondary prevention beyond the pandemic.

Dietitians Australia position statement on telehealth

It is the position of Dietitians Australia that clients can receive high‐quality and effective dietetic services such as Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) delivered via telehealth. Outcomes of telehealth‐delivered dietetic consultations are comparable to those delivered in‐person, without requiring higher levels of additional training nor compromising quality of service provision. Dietitians Australia recommends that policy makers and healthcare funders broaden the recognition for telehealth‐delivered dietetic consultations as a responsive and cost‐effective alternative or complement to traditional in‐person delivery of dietetic services. The successful implementation of telehealth can help to address health and service inequalities, improve access to effective nutrition services, and support people with chronic disease to optimise their diet‐related health and well‐being, regardless of their location, income or literacy level, thereby addressing current inequities.

Using a holistic health approach to achieve weight-loss maintenance: results from the Spirited Life intervention

Weight-loss maintenance is essential to sustain the health benefits of weight loss. Studies with lower intensity intervention supports under real-world conditions are lacking. This study examined changes in weight and cardiometabolic biomarkers among Spirited Life participants following initial 12-month weight loss at 12-24 months and 24-42 months. A total of 719 clergy received a wellness intervention, including a 10-week online weight-loss program in the first 12 months and monthly health coaching throughout 24 months. Mean changes in weight, blood pressure, high-density lipoproteins, and triglycerides were estimated using random effects linear models, accounting for repeated measures. Weight was additionally analyzed in subsamples stratified by body mass index (BMI). At baseline, 17.1% of participants had BMI < 25 kg/m2 and 11.8% had BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2. Mean 12-month weight loss was -2.4 kg (95% CI: -2.8 kg, -2.1 kg). On average, at 42 months, participants regained weight but did not exceed baseline (-0.5 kg, 95% CI: -1.2 kg, 0.2 kg), improvements in triglycerides were completely sustained (-13.9 mg/dL, 95% CI: -18.6 mg/dL, -9.2 mg/dL), and systolic blood pressure improvements remained significant (-1.9 mmHg, 95% CI: -3.0 mmHg, -0.9 mmHg). Participants with a BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2 lost significantly more weight that was sustained at 42 months (-5.8 kg, 95% CI: -8.9 kg, -2.7 kg). The Spirited Life wellness intervention produced weight loss and, for participants with higher levels of obesity, sustained weight-loss maintenance. The intervention was effective for long-term prevention of weight gain among participants with BMI of 25 to ≤40 kg/m2, through 42 months. Wellness interventions such as Spirited Life should be considered for adoption.

Choosing coaching frameworks for promoting diet modifications

Theoretical frameworks have successfully guided researchers in implementing coaching interventions to effect dietary changes in adults for both prevention and management of chronic diseases. Three such frameworks include the Transtheoretical Model (TTM), Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), and the Theory of Integrative Nurse Coaching (TINC). This article introduces each theory, followed by an overview of the coaching interventions used to effect dietary behaviour changes within each theory. A condensed version of Turner's synthesis methodology is used to determine if a conceptual connection exists among the three models/theories. The condensed version includes synthesis preparation, synthesis (comparison of converging and diverging components), synthesis refinement (conceptual connection), and a concluding discussion of all three theories related to nursing practice. This synthesis will inform the focus of interventions that aim to promote dietary changes in adults at risk of developing sarcopenia.

A scoping review of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health promotion programs focused on modifying chronic disease risk factors

Issue addressed

Noncommunicable chronic disease underlies much of the life expectancy gap experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Modifying contributing risk factors; tobacco smoking, nutrition, alcohol consumption, physical activity, social and emotional wellbeing (SNAPS) could help close this disease gap. This scoping review identified and describes SNAPS health promotion programs implemented for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia.

Methods

Databases PubMed, CINAHL, Informit (Health Collection and Indigenous Peoples Collection), Scopus, Trove and relevant websites and clearing houses were searched for eligible studies until June 2015. To meet the inclusion criteria the program had to focus on modifying one of the SNAPS risk factors and the majority of participants had to identify as being of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage.

Results

The review identified 71 health promotion programs, described in 83 publications. Programs were implemented across a range of health and community settings and included all Australian states and territories, from major cities to remote communities. The SNAPS factor addressed most commonly was nutrition. Some programs included the whole community, or had multiple key audiences, whilst others focused solely on one subgroup of the population such as chronic disease patients, pregnant women or youth. Fourteen of the programs reported no outcome assessments.

Conclusions

Health promotion programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have not been adequately evaluated. The majority of programs focused on the development of individual skills and changing personal behaviours without addressing the other health promotion action areas, such as creating supportive environments or reorienting health care services.

So What?

This scoping review provides a summary of the health promotion programs that have been delivered in Australia for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to prevent or manage chronic disease. These programs, although many are limited in quality, should be used to inform future programs. To improve evidence‐based health promotion practice, health promotion initiatives need to be evaluated and the findings published publicly.

Effectiveness of telehealth interventions as a part of secondary prevention in coronary artery disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Coronary artery disease is one of the most important health problems among heart diseases in the world, with high morbidity and mortality. Lifestyle changes in particular are recommended in the latest guidelines for implementing secondary prevention.

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of telehealth interventions as a part of secondary prevention compared to routine care in those with coronary artery disease.

METHOD

The systematic review with meta-analysis was performed in accordance with Cochrane methods. Science Direct, Springer Link, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, MEDLINE, ProQuest and Network Digital Library databases were searched between 2000 and 2018 up to February 2018. The studies chosen conformed to PICOS inclusion and exclusion criteria. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guideline was used in reporting the study.

RESULTS

Twenty-four studies with a total of 6773 study participants met the inclusion criteria. It was found that telephone call interventions were the most commonly used, text message interventions came second with seven studies, telephone calls in combination with messages were used in four studies and telemonitoring was used in two studies. Compared to routine care, telehealth interventions had moderate significant effects in reducing waist circumference, total cholesterol and triglyceride, improving medication adherence and physical activity, and had small significant effects in reducing blood pressure and smoking cessation. No significant publication bias was found in the main outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Results showed that the telehealth interventions yielded positive outcomes in lifestyle changes for coronary artery disease. Therefore, telehealth interventions can be used for effective secondary prevention by health professionals who care for individuals with coronary artery disease. Additionally, this study will provide guidance for studies on the development of telehealth intervention.

What Is the Effect of Health Coaching Delivered by Physical Therapists? A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

Health coaching has emerged as an intervention for improving health behaviors. Given the recent increased integration of health coaching into physical therapist practice, there has been a subsequent rise in research examining the effects of health coaching provided by physical therapists. However, there is a lack of literature summarizing the effectiveness of health coaching delivered by physical therapists in changing patient health behaviors.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to systematically review the effects of health coaching delivered by physical therapists on promoting participant health behaviors.

DATA SOURCES

Cochrane, CINAHL, MEDLINE, PEDro, PsycINFO, and Web of Science databases were searched from inception to May 26, 2018, to identify randomized controlled trials examining the effects of health coaching delivered by physical therapists.

STUDY SELECTION

Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts, and full texts according to inclusion and exclusion criteria to determine study eligibility.

DATA EXTRACTION

Methodological quality was assessed using Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scores. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration risk-of-bias assessment tool. Data were extracted using a standardized data extraction form describing study methods, design, and outcomes.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Eleven trials met the inclusion criteria for this study. Health coaching produced positive effects on physical activity (6 studies) as well as physiological and psychological secondary outcomes.

LIMITATIONS

The inclusion of only 11 randomized controlled trials in this review could limit the generalizability of the findings. The heterogeneity of the findings precluded the performance of a meta-analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Research on the effectiveness of health coaching delivered by physical therapists on health behavior outcomes is mixed. Data indicate statistically significant changes in some health behavior, physiological, and psychological outcomes.

A Nurse-led Approach to Improving Cardiac Lifestyle Modification in an Atrial Fibrillation Population

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major public health problem and the most common cardiac arrhythmia encountered in clinical practice at this time. AF is associated with numerous symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, and fatigue, which can significantly reduce health-related quality of life and result in serious adverse cardiac outcomes. In light of this, the aim of the present pilot study was to test the feasibility of implementing a mobile health (mHealth) lifestyle intervention titled "Atrial Fibrillation and Cardiac Health: Targeting Improving Outcomes via a Nurse-Led Intervention (ACTION)," with the goal of improving cardiac health measures, AF symptom recognition, and self-management. As part of this study, participants self-identified cardiac health goals at enrollment. The nurse used web-based resources from the American Heart Association (Dallas, TX, USA), which included the Life's Simple 7® My Life Check® assessment, to quantify current lifestyle behavior change needs. Furthermore, on the My AFib Experience™ website (American Heart Association, Dallas, TX, USA), the patient used a symptom tracker tool to capture the date, time, frequency, and type of AF symptoms, and these data were subsequently reviewed by the cardiac nurse. Throughout the six-month intervention period, the cardiac nurse used a motivational interviewing approach to support participants' cardiac health goals. Ultimately, the ACTION intervention was tested in 53 individuals with AF (mean age: 59 ± 11 years; 76% male). Participants were predominantly overweight/obese (79%), had a history of hypertension (62%) or hyperlipidemia (61%), and reported being physically inactive/not preforming any type of regular exercise (52%). The majority (88%) of the participants had one or more Life's Simple 7® measures that could be improved. Most of the participants (98%) liked having a dedicated nurse to work with them on a biweekly basis via the mHealth portal. The most commonly self-reported symptoms were palpitations, fatigue/exercise intolerance, and dyspnea. Seventy percent of the participants had an improvement in their weight and blood pressure as documented within the electronic health record as well as a corresponding improvement in their Life's Simple 7® score at six months. On average, there was a three-pound (1.36-kg) decrease in weight and a 5-mmHg decrease in systolic blood pressure between baseline and at six months. In conclusion, this pilot work provides initial evidence regarding the feasibility of implementing the ACTION intervention and supports testing the ACTION intervention in a larger cohort of AF patients to inform existing AF guidelines and build an evidence base for reducing AF burden through lifestyle modification.

A secondary analysis of data from the OPTICARE randomized controlled trial investigating the effects of extended cardiac rehabilitation on functional capacity, fatigue, and participation in society

OBJECTIVE

In this secondary analysis of data from the OPTICARE trial, we compared the effects of two behavioral interventions integrated into cardiac rehabilitation to standard rehabilitation with regard to functional capacity, fatigue, and participation in society.

DESIGN

This is a randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

This study was conducted in a cardiac rehabilitation setting.

SUBJECTS

A total of 740 patients with acute coronary syndrome were recruited for this study.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were randomized to (1) three months of standard rehabilitation; (2) cardiac rehabilitation plus nine months after-care with face-to-face group lifestyle counseling; or (3) cardiac rehabilitation plus nine months after-care with individual lifestyle telephone counseling.

MAIN MEASURES

Functional capacity (6-minute walk test), fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale), and participation in society (Utrecht Scale for Evaluation of Rehabilitation-Participation) were measured at randomization, 3, 12, and 18 months.

RESULTS

Additional face-to-face sessions resulted at 12 months in 12.49 m more on the 6-minute walk test compared to standard rehabilitation (P = .041). This difference was no longer present at 18 months. Prevalence of fatigue decreased from 30.2% at baseline to 11.9% at 18 months compared to an improvement from 37.3% to 24.9% after standard rehabilitation (between-group difference: odds ratio = 0.47; P = .010). The additional improvements in functional capacity seemed to be mediated by increases in daily physical activity. No mediating effects were found for fatigue. No additional improvements were seen for participation in society. Additional telephonic sessions did not result in additional intervention effects.

CONCLUSION

Extending cardiac rehabilitation with a face-to-face behavioral intervention resulted in additional long-term improvements in fatigue and small improvements in functional capacity up to 12 months. A telephonic behavioral intervention provided no additional benefits.

Telehealth interventions for the secondary prevention of coronary heart disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a major cause of death worldwide. Cardiac rehabilitation, an evidence-based CHD secondary prevention programme, remains underutilized. Telehealth may offer an innovative solution to overcome barriers to cardiac rehabilitation attendance. We aimed to determine whether contemporary telehealth interventions can provide effective secondary prevention as an alternative or adjunct care compared with cardiac rehabilitation and/or usual care for patients with CHD.

METHODS

Relevant randomized controlled trials evaluating telehealth interventions in CHD patients with at least three months' follow-up compared with cardiac rehabilitation and/or usual care were identified by searching electronic databases. We checked reference lists, relevant conference lists, grey literature and keyword searching of the Internet. Main outcomes included all-cause mortality, rehospitalization/cardiac events and modifiable risk factors. (PROSPERO registration number 77507.).

RESULTS

In total, 32 papers reporting 30 unique trials were identified. Telehealth was not significant associated with a lower all-cause mortality than cardiac rehabilitation and/or usual care (risk ratio (RR)=0.60, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.86 to 1.24, p=0.42). Telehealth was significantly associated with lower rehospitalization or cardiac events (RR=0.56, 95% CI=0.39 to 0.81, p<0.0001) compared with non-intervention groups. There was a significantly lower weighted mean difference (WMD) at medium to long-term follow-up than comparison groups for total cholesterol (WMD= -0.26 mmol/l, 95% CI= -0.4 to -0.11, p <0.001), low-density lipoprotein (WMD= -0.28, 95% CI = -0.50 to -0.05, p=0.02) and smoking status (RR=0.77, 95% CI =0.59 to 0.99, p=0.04].

CONCLUSIONS

Telehealth interventions with a range of delivery modes could be offered to patients who cannot attend cardiac rehabilitation, or as an adjunct to cardiac rehabilitation for effective secondary prevention.

Comparative Effectiveness of the Core Components of Cardiac Rehabilitation on Mortality and Morbidity: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

A systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the core components of cardiac rehabilitation (CR), nutritional counseling (NC), risk factor modification (RFM), psychosocial management (PM), patient education (PE), and exercise training (ET)) was undertaken. Published RCTs were identified from database inception dates to April 2017, and risk of bias assessed using Cochrane's tool. Endpoints included mortality (all-cause and cardiovascular (CV)) and morbidity (fatal and non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG), percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and hospitalization (all-cause and CV)). Meta-regression models decomposed treatment effects into the main effects of core components, and two-way or all-way interactions between them. Ultimately, 148 RCTs (50,965 participants) were included. Main effects models were best fitting for mortality (e.g., for all-cause, specifically PM (hazard ratio HR = 0.68, 95% credible interval CrI = 0.54⁻0.85) and ET (HR = 0.75, 95% CrI = 0.60⁻0.92) components effective), MI (e.g., for all-cause, specifically PM (hazard ratio HR = 0.76, 95% credible interval CrI = 0.57⁻0.99), ET (HR = 0.75, 95% CrI = 0.56⁻0.99) and PE (HR = 0.68, 95% CrI = 0.47⁻0.99) components effective) and hospitalization (e.g., all-cause, PM (HR = 0.76, 95% CrI = 0.58⁻0.96) effective). For revascularization (including CABG and PCI individually), the full interaction model was best-fitting. Given that each component, individual or in combination, was associated with mortality and/or morbidity, recommendations for comprehensive CR are warranted.

Efficacy of Different Types of Exercise-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation on Coronary Heart Disease: a Network Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) has been recognized as an essential component of the treatment for coronary heart disease (CHD). Determining the efficacy of modern alternative treatment methods is the key to developing exercise-based CR programs.

METHODS

Studies published through June 6, 2016, were identified using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library. English-language articles regarding the efficacy of different modes of CR in patients with CHD were included in this analysis. Two investigators independently reviewed abstracts and full-text articles and extracted data from the studies. According to the categories described by prior Cochrane reviews, exercise-based CR was classified into center-based CR, home-based CR, tele-based CR, and combined CR for this analysis. Outcomes included all-cause mortality, cardiovascular death, recurrent fatal and/or nonfatal myocardial infarction, recurrent cardiac artery bypass grafting, recurrent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and hospital readmissions.

RESULTS

Sixty randomized clinical trials (n = 19,411) were included in the analysis. Network meta-analysis (NMA) demonstrated that only center-based CR significantly reduced all-cause mortality (center-based: RR = 0.76 [95% CI 0.64-0.90], p = 0.002) compared to usual care. Other modes of CR were not significantly different from usual care with regard to their ability to reduce mortality. Treatment ranking indicated that combined CR exhibited the highest probability (86.9%) of being the most effective mode, but this finding was not statistically significant due to the small sample size (combined: RR = 0.50 [95% CI 0.20-1.27], p = 0.146).

CONCLUSIONS

Current evidence suggests that center-based CR is acceptable for patients with CHD. As home- and tele-based CR can save time, money, effort, and resources and may be preferred by patients, their efficacy should be investigated further in subsequent studies.

Effects of two behavioral cardiac rehabilitation interventions on physical activity: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Standard cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is insufficient to help patients achieve an active lifestyle. The effects of two advanced and extended behavioral CR interventions on physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) were assessed.

METHODS

In total, 731 patients with ACS were randomized to 1) 3months of standard CR (CR-only); 2) 3months of standard CR with three pedometer-based, face-to-face PA group counseling sessions followed by 9months of aftercare with three general lifestyle, face-to-face group counseling sessions (CR+F); or 3) 3months of standard CR, followed by 9months of aftercare with five to six general lifestyle, telephonic counseling sessions (CR+T). An accelerometer recorded PA and SB at randomization, 3months, 12months, and 18months.

RESULTS

The CR+F group did not improve their moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA (MVPA) or SB time compared to CR-only (between-group difference=0.24% MVPA, P=0.349; and 0.39% SB, P=0.529). However, step count (between-group difference=513 steps/day, P=0.021) and time in prolonged MVPA (OR=2.14, P=0.054) improved at 3months as compared to CR-only. The improvement in prolonged MVPA was maintained at 18months (OR=1.91, P=0.033). The CR+T group did not improve PA or SB compared to CR-only.

CONCLUSIONS

Adding three pedometer-based, face-to-face group PA counseling sessions to standard CR increased daily step count and time in prolonged MVPA. The latter persisted at 18months. A telephonic after-care program did not improve PA or SB. Although after-care should be optimized to improve long-term adherence, face-to-face group counseling with objective PA feedback should be added to standard CR.

Perceptions of Health Coaching for Behavior Change Among Medicaid and Commercially Insured Adults

Use of health coaching to help individuals make and sustain changes in health behavior and disease management is increasing, and early evidence about its effects is promising. However, few studies assess participants' preferences and expectations about health coaches, the use of the term health coach, and the coaching relationship. To help inform the design of future health coaching programs, we conducted qualitative interviews with 50 U.S. adults (25 with Medicaid, 25 commercially insured) to assess their (1) sources of health information; (2) familiarity with, preferences for, and associations with 32 terms that could describe "someone who uses experience and one-on-one communication to help others change behaviors to improve their health;" and (3) perceptions of how well different terms apply across different health behaviors and for nonhealth concerns (e.g., financial, career). Results showed wide variability in preferences for different coaching terms and mental models of coaching that differed by insurance type. Commercially insured participants made a distinction between experts and supporters as different categories of coaches. Medicaid participants associated coach with sports and viewed the term as less professional. All participants preferred terms such as advisor and specialist, and all wanted content experts who could also appreciate the broader context of their life.

Improving care for older people with long-term conditions and social care needs in Salford: the CLASSIC mixed-methods study, including RCT

Background

The Salford Integrated Care Programme (SICP) was a large-scale transformation project to improve care for older people with long-term conditions and social care needs. We report an evaluation of the ability of the SICP to deliver an enhanced experience of care, improved quality of life, reduced costs of care and improved cost-effectiveness.

Objectives

To explore the process of implementation of the SICP and the impact on patient outcomes and costs.

Design

Qualitative methods (interviews and observations) to explore implementation, a cohort multiple randomised controlled trial to assess patient outcomes through quasi-experiments and a formal trial, and an analysis of routine data sets and appropriate comparators using non-randomised methodologies.

Setting

Salford in the north-west of England.

Participants

Older people aged ≥ 65 years, carers, and health and social care professionals.

Interventions

A large-scale integrated care project with three core mechanisms of integration (community assets, multidisciplinary groups and an ‘integrated contact centre’).

Main outcome measures

Patient self-management, care experience and quality of life, and health-care utilisation and costs.

Data sources

Professional and patient interviews, patient self-report measures, and routine quantitative data on service utilisation.

Results

The SICP and subsequent developments have been sustained by strong partnerships between organisations. The SICP achieved ‘functional integration’ through the pooling of health and social care budgets, the development of the Alliance Agreement between four organisations and the development of the shared care record. ‘Service-level’ integration was slow and engagement with general practice was a challenge. We saw only minor changes in patient experience measures over the period of the evaluation (both improvements and reductions), with some increase in the use of community assets and care plans. Compared with other sites, the difference in the rates of admissions showed an increase in emergency admissions. Patient experience of health coaching was largely positive, although the effects of health coaching on activation and depression were not statistically significant. Economic analyses suggested that coaching was likely to be cost-effective, generating improvements in quality of life [mean incremental quality-adjusted life-year gain of 0.019, 95% confidence interval (CI) –0.006 to 0.043] at increased cost (mean incremental total cost increase of £150.58, 95% CI –£470.611 to £711.776).

Limitations

The Comprehensive Longitudinal Assessment of Salford Integrated Care study represents a single site evaluation, with consequent limits on external validity. Patient response rates to the cohort survey were < 40%.

Conclusions

The SICP has been implemented in a way that is consistent with the original vision. However, there has been more rapid success in establishing new integrated structures (such as a formal integrated care organisation), rather than in delivering mechanisms of integration at sufficient scale to have a large impact on patient outcomes.

Future work

Further research could focus on each of the mechanisms of integration. The multidisciplinary groups may require improved targeting of patients or disease subgroups to demonstrate effectiveness. Development of a proven model of health coaching that can be implemented at scale is required, especially one that would provide cost savings for commissioners or providers. Similarly, further exploration is required to assess the longer-term benefits of community assets and whether or not health impacts translate to reductions in care use.

Trial registration

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN12286422.

Funding

This project was funded by the NIHR Health Services and Delivery Research programme and will be published in full inHealth Services and Delivery Research; Vol. 6, No. 31. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

Does a Nurse-Led Program of Support and Lifestyle Management for patients with coronary artery disease significantly improve psychological outcomes among the patients?: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Nowadays, secondary prevention of coronary heart disease (CHD) is commonly provided by nurse-coordinated prevention programs (NCPPs). NCPPs were recommended to be incorporated into the healthcare systems by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) as stated in their 2012 European Guideline. Even if Nurse-Led Programs of Support and Lifestyle Management are beneficial to the patients with CHD, it is not clear whether these programs significantly improve psychological outcomes among the patients. Therefore, in this analysis, we aimed to systematically compare anxiety and depression reported among CHD patients who were assigned to a Nurse-Led Programs of Support and Lifestyle Management versus patients who were assigned to a normal usual care setting.

METHODS

Online databases were searched for English publications assessing anxiety and depression in CHD patients who were assigned to a Nurse Interventional program versus patients who were assigned to a normal usual care setting. This analysis was carried out by RevMan software (version 5.3). For dichotomous data, odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were generated whereas for continuous data, weight mean difference (WMDs) and 95% CIs were calculated.

RESULTS

A total number of 3110 patients were analyzed (1526 participants were assigned to the Nurse Interventional group whereas 1584 participants were assigned to the normal usual care group). Patients' enrollment time period varied from the year 2008 to the year 2015. Results of this analysis showed that depression among participants who were assigned to a Nurse-Led Program of Support and Lifestyle Management was not significantly different (OR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.68-1.20; P = .47) compared to participants who were assigned to the normal usual care setting. When continuous data were used, still no significant difference was observed (WMD: -0.83, 95% CI: -1.68-0.02; P = .06). A similar result was obtained even when anxiety was assessed (WMD: -1.38, 95% CI: -3.21-0.45; P = .14).

CONCLUSIONS

The current analysis did not show any significant improvement in reduction of depression and anxiety among CHD patients who were assigned to a Nurse-Led Program of Support and Lifestyle Management versus those patients who were assigned to a normal usual care setting. Therefore, according to this analysis, even if a Nurse-Led Program of Support and Lifestyle Management might be clinically effective, it does not improve mental well-being in these patients with CHD.

A protocol for a cluster randomized trial comparing strategies for translating self-management support into primary care practices

BACKGROUND

Advanced primary care models emphasize patient-centered care, including self-management support (SMS), but the effective use of SMS for patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) remains a challenge. Interactive behavior-change technology (IBCT) can facilitate the adoption of SMS interventions. To meet the need for effective SMS intervention, we have developed Connection to Health (CTH), a comprehensive, evidence-based SMS program that enhances interactions between primary care clinicians and patients to resolve self-management problems and improve outcomes. Uptake and maintenance of programs such as CTH in primary care have been limited by the inability of practices to adapt and implement program components into their culture, patient flow, and work processes. Practice facilitation has been shown to be effective in helping practices make the changes required for optimal program implementation. The proposed research is designed to promote the translation of SMS into primary care practices for patients with T2DM by combining two promising lines of research, specifically, (a) testing the effectiveness of CTH in diverse primary-care practices, and (b) evaluating the impact of practice facilitation to enhance implementation of the intervention.

METHODS

A three-arm, cluster-randomized trial will evaluate three discrete strategies for implementing SMS for patients with T2DM in diverse primary care practices. Practices will be randomly assigned to receive and implement the CTH program, the CTH program plus practice facilitation, or a SMS academic detailing educational intervention. Through this design, we will compare the effectiveness, adoption and implementation of these three SMS practice implementation strategies. Primary effectiveness outcomes including lab values and evidence of SMS will be abstracted from medical records covering baseline through 18 months post-baseline. Data from CTH assessments and action plans completed by patients enrolled in CTH will be used to evaluate practice implementation of CTH and the impact of CTH participation. Qualitative data including field notes from encounters with the practices and interviews of practice personnel will be analyzed to assess practice implementation of SMS.

DISCUSSION

This study will provide important information on the implementation of SMS in primary care, the effectiveness of an IBCT tool such as CTH, and the use of practice facilitation to assist implementation.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Registered with ClinicalTrials.gov - ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT01945918 , date 08/27/2013. Modifications have been updated.

The Growing Trend of Health Coaches in Team-Based Primary Care Training A Multicenter Pilot Study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Team-based care with health coaches has improved the quality and cost effectiveness of chronic disease management and prevention. Clinical health coaches partner with patients to identify health goals, create action plans, overcome barriers to change, reinforce physician recommendations, and coordinate care. It is important to train resident physicians to practice in team-based settings. To date, there have been no studies of resident family physician exposure to health coaches.

METHODS

We surveyed 465 residency directors through a larger omnibus survey sent out by CERA; the response rate was 53.7%. Directors were asked about resident exposure to health coaches, the types of patients seen by health coaches, and the training background of the health coaches. We used chi-square tests to examine the relationship among these variables and program characteristics including status as a patient-centered medical home.

RESULTS

Almost two-thirds of the programs reported at least some residents had exposure to health coaches. Residents who trained in continuity sites with a PCMH certification of level 3 were more likely to have any exposure to health coaches (P<.05). There were multiple significant relationships between populations of patients seen and the training background of health coaches.

CONCLUSIONS

To improve quality, reduce costs, and become more patient centered, primary care is rapidly transforming into a team sport with a broadening roster of new players, including health coaches. This study documents positive rates of resident exposure to health coaches but also great variability in types and amount of exposure that merit further investigation and exploration of ways to grow family medicine residency contact with a diversifying practice team.

Coaching Patients Saves Lives and Money

BACKGROUND

The Coaching On Achieving Cardiovascular Health (COACH) Program has been proven to improve biomedical and lifestyle cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term impact of The COACH Program on overall survival, hospital utilization, and costs from the perspective of a private health insurer (payor), in patients with CVD.

METHODS

A prospective parallel-group case-control study design with controls randomly matched to patients based on propensity score. There were 512 participants with CVD engaged in a structured disease management program of 6 months duration (The COACH Program) who were matched to 512 patients with CVD who were allocated to the control group. The independent variables that estimated the propensity score were preprogram hospital admissions, age, and sex. The primary outcome was overall survival with secondary outcomes, including hospital utilization and cost incurred by the private health insurer. Mean follow-up was 6.35 years. Difference in overall survival between the 2 groups was estimated using a Cox proportional hazard ratio (HR) with difference in total cost estimated using a generalized linear model.

RESULTS

The COACH Program achieved a significant reduction in overall mortality (HR 0.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.53-0.93; P = .014). There was an apparent dose-response effect: those who received up to 3 coaching sessions had no decrease in mortality (HR 1.02; 95% CI, 0.69-1.49; P = .926); those who received 4 or more coaching sessions had a substantial decrease in mortality (HR 0.58; 95% CI, 0.42-0.81; P = .001). Total cost to the health insurer was substantially lower in the intervention group ($12,707 per person lower; P = .078). The reduction in total cost was significantly greater in those who received 4 or more sessions ($19,418 per person; P = .006) and in males ($18,947 per person; P = .029).

CONCLUSIONS

Those enrolled in The COACH program achieved a statistically significant decrease in overall mortality compared with usual care at 6.35 years. A substantive reduction in hospital costs was also observed among those who received The COACH program compared with those who did not, particularly in those who received 4 or more sessions and in males.

The effect of a practice-based multicomponent intervention that includes health coaching on medication adherence and blood pressure control in rural primary care

Low adherence to anti-hypertensive medications contributes to worse outcomes. The authors conducted a secondary data analysis to examine the effects of a health-coaching intervention on medication adherence and blood pressure (BP), and to explore whether changes in medication adherence over time were associated with changes in BP longitudinally in 477 patients with hypertension. Data regarding medication adherence and BP were collected at baseline, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. The intervention resulted in increases in medication adherence (5.75→5.94, P = .04) and decreases in diastolic BP (81.6→76.1 mm Hg, P < .001) over time. The changes in medication adherence were associated with reductions in diastolic BP longitudinally (P = .047). Patients with low medication adherence at baseline had significantly greater improvement in medication adherence and BP over time than those with high medication adherence. The intervention demonstrated improvements in medication adherence and diastolic BP and offers promise as a clinically applicable intervention in rural primary care.