Abstract 310: Action-Oriented Participatory Intervention and Outcomes in Patients with Heart Failure: Findings from the African American Heart Failure (Pilot) Study

Objectives: The prevalence of heart failure (HF) has significantly increased in recent decades. It disproportionately affects African Americans (AA). However, evidence on how to improve the quality of care among AA patients with HF is scarce. In the study, we aimed to test the hypothesis that an action-oriented participatory intervention approach would significantly improve patients’ adherence to healthcare and outcomes. Methods: A randomized sample of 152 AA patients with HF stages A to D participated in the study. Of them, 73 received standard healthcare, and 79 received standard healthcare plus an action-oriented intervention using HF-focused education instruments. After health assessments (physical and lab tests) and health instrument-based survey at baseline in person at clinical site, participants were followed at 3 and 6 months at their re-visit to hospital or by phone call. Results: Of 152 patients (M: 68, F: 84), the proportions of those with HF stage A, B, C, and D were 26.5%, 19.1%, 22.1% and 10.3% in men, and 52.4%, 21.4%, 21.4% and 4.8% in women, respectively. Of them, 121 completed the first (3 M), and 39 had both the first and second (6 M) follow-up. Significant improved scores of knowledge to HF etiology and self-efficacy were observed at the first follow up, and scores of self-care skills at the second follow-up in both intervention and control groups. As compared to control group, the improvement of knowledge to HF etiology and self-efficacy scores in the intervention group were significantly higher in the first follow-up (p<0.01), and self-care skill scores were in both the first and second follow-ups (p<0.01). Significant improvement in adherence to medication and healthy behaviors were observed in intervention group (p<0.01). There was a tendency of improvement in quality of life at the first and second follow-up in the intervention group although they did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion: An action-oriented participatory intervention may offer a new approach to improve knowledge, disease control and outcomes in patients with HF.