Videoconference-delivered Mind-Body Resiliency Training in Adults with congenital heart disease: A pilot feasibility trial

Christina M Luberto,Amy Wang,Runnan Li,Jaclyn Pagliaro,Elyse R Park,Ami Bhatt

doi:10.1016/j.ijcchd.2022.100324

Christina M Luberto, Amy Wang + Show 4 more

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https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijcchd.2022.100324

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Abstract

IntroductionAdults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) often experience elevated health anxiety. The SMART-3RP is an eight-week, mind-body group resiliency intervention with evidence to reduce health anxiety in other medical populations. The aims of this waitlist-controlled, randomized pilot feasibility trial were to explore (1) feasibility and acceptability of videoconference-delivered SMART-3RP, (2) feasibility and acceptability of remote blood pressure monitoring, and (3) changes in health anxiety, mindfulness, and resiliency. MethodsParticipants (N = 12 adults with CHD; Mean age = 41.2 years, SD = 13.8, 100% white, and 75% female) were 1:1 randomized into a pilot from July 2020 to September 2020. Participants completed surveys at baseline, three-month, and six-month follow-up; recorded their blood pressure via a digital health platform four times per week for eight weeks post-randomization (n = 32 total recordings); and completed individual exit interviews. Results91% (29/32) of patients screened were eligible; of those, 41% (12/29) enrolled. 83% were retained at three-month follow-up (10/12) and 90% of those (9/10) were retained at six months. Average adherence to blood pressure monitoring was 70% (22/32 recordings completed; SD = 31.9). Effect sizes from baseline to three months suggested greater improvement in the immediate group compared to the waitlist group for health anxiety (Cohen's r = −.59), mindfulness (r = −0.44), and resiliency (r = −0.49). Exit interviews revealed positive experiences with the intervention, benefits of mindfulness skills for coping with anxiety, and suggestions for improvement including further targeting ACHD-specific needs. ConclusionsThese findings support the feasibility of conducting a randomized controlled efficacy trial of SMART-3RP for ACHD, and the acceptability and potential utility of SMART-3RP for emotional health in ACHD.

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