Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Effectiveness of a Combined Digital Platform and Community Health Worker Intervention for Patients With Heart Failure: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Authors: Jocelyn A Carter Carter, Natalia Swack, Eric Isselbacher, Karen Donelan, Anne Thorndike

This study tested a new approach to help heart failure patients after hospital discharge by combining digital tools with support from community health workers (CHWs). Participants were randomly assigned to either receive CHW care with digital tools (like sensors and health monitors) or just CHW support. The study found that using digital tools along with CHW support was feasible and well-received by patients. Those using the digital tools had fewer hospital readmissions within 30 days compared to those with just CHW support. The findings suggest this combined approach could improve heart failure management, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.