Educational Program for Various Health Literacy Levels to Improve the Health of Individuals With Heart Failure

Heart failure (HF) affects 5 million people in the United States. Health literacy, which is the ability to read and comprehend important medical information, plays an important role in the health of individuals with HF. This study will evaluate the effectiveness of an educational program developed for various levels of health literacy at improving medical outcomes and quality of life in individuals with HF.

HF is a complicated disease that often requires individuals to carefully monitor their condition. Individuals with HF must follow strict medication regimens, adhere to diet and exercise recommendations, and closely monitor symptoms and changes in weight. Individuals with low health literacy skills may have a harder time comprehending medication dosing instructions, educational materials, and the overall complexity of managing HF than individuals with higher health literacy skills. Programs that focus on building self-care skills have been proven to reduce the rate of hospitalizations among individuals with HF; only one study, however, has specifically examined the importance of health literacy in the effectiveness of these programs. Teach to Goal (TTG), a program that focuses on developing self-care skills while incorporating medical information for various health literacy levels, may improve medical outcomes in individuals with HF. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of TTG at improving hospitalization and death rates, quality of life, and self-care behaviors among individuals with HF.

This 1-year study will enroll individuals with HF. Eligible participants will attend a baseline study visit and complete survey questionnaires. Participants will then be randomly assigned to either TTG or a control group. The TTG group will partake in a 30- to 60-minute educational session, which will focus on improving self-care skills. They will also receive literacy-sensitive printed materials about monitoring body weight and swelling in the legs, medication administration, and a sodium reduction and exercise plan. Control group participants will partake in a shorter educational session and will receive fewer printed materials. All participants will be provided with a digital scale to self-monitor their weight at home. The TTG group will receive follow-up phone calls on Days 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28, during which study staff will assess participants' progress and will provide additional support and training as necessary. Both groups will receive phone calls at Months 1, 6, and 12. During these calls, number of hospitalizations, quality of life, and changes in self-care behavior and knowledge will be evaluated, but participants will not receive any additional training.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Clinical diagnosis of HF
* Currently prescribed a Loop diuretic medication
* At least one of the following findings:

  1. Chest x-ray consistent with HF (current or past x-ray with probable or definite pulmonary edema)
  2. Reduced ejection fraction on echocardiogram (ECHO), multiple gate acquisition scan (MUGA), or cardiac catheterization (less than 50%)
  3. Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) or diastolic filling pattern on ECHO
  4. Elevated B-type natriuretic peptide
* Currently experiencing New York Heart Association Class II-IV symptoms or has experienced these symptoms in the 6 months prior to study entry
* Has a working telephone
* Speaks English or Spanish

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients will be ineligible if they meet ONE the following criteria:

  1. Sight - Inability to see printed educational material well enough to utilize it
  2. Cognition - Moderate to severe dementia (If medical notes state "Severe Dementia" or as determined by administering the study's cognitive screener)
  3. Surgery -Valuvular disease rated as severe (mitral stenosis, aortic stenosis or aortic regurgitation) or valuvular surgery planned within a year (i.e., bypass, angioplasty, valve replacement, heart transplant)
  4. Terminal Illness - Possessing a terminal illness with prognosis of 1 year or less
  5. Dialysis - Currently on dialysis or anticipated to start dialysis within 1 year
  6. Oxygen Dependant - Using concentrate oxygen intermittent or continuously for COPD
  7. Management of Care - Not able to control medications
  8. Other Studies -Patient enrolled (past or present) in another study where intervention status would interfere with pure outcome of this or other study