A mixed methods pilot feasibility study of a primary care-based dyadic cardiovascular risk reduction intervention: “Heart Care Pairs”

Kaylee Crockett, Ph.D.
University of Alabama at Birmingham

Project Goals and Relevance

Project Objectives:

The Heart Care Pairs pilot feasibility study aims to assess the effectiveness of a dyadic lifestyle intervention delivered in primary care settings to the patient and their supportive care partner. The intervention focuses on collaborative goal-setting, enhanced interpersonal communication, and behavior changes such as improved diet, increased physical activity, and stress reduction. It evaluates how engaging patients with hypertension (HTN) and their supportive care partners can lead to improved cardiovascular health.

Target Population:

Primary care patients with HTN and their chosen supportive partners, particularly those from communities in Birmingham, Alabama, facing limited healthcare access.

Relevance to Community:

Hypertension impacts Black adults and those from lower-income households at higher rates in the Southeastern U.S., resulting in significant differences in cardiovascular health outcomes. This project addresses these differences by utilizing team-based care and community-informed interventions to enhance community health and provide increased access to resources.

Intervention/Approach

Strategies Used:

The Heart Care Pairs intervention employs the following strategies:

Community Relevance:

To ensure the intervention aligns with participants’ lived experiences, input is actively sought from community partners, primary care providers, and participating dyads. By including supportive partners beyond traditional family roles (e.g., friends, neighbors), the project broadens its reach and acknowledges the broad social networks present in communities.

Expected Outcomes

• Feasibility and Acceptability: Demonstrate that the intervention can be successfully delivered and accepted in primary care practices, with >70% session attendance and high satisfaction rates among participants.
• Behavioral Improvements: Anticipated enhancements in diet, physical activity, medication adherence, and stress management among participants.
• Enhanced Social Support Dynamics: Improved communication and goal alignment within dyads, fostering sustainable behavior changes.
• Provider Satisfaction: Positive feedback from primary care providers on the intervention’s relevance and integration into their workflow.

Community Action Tips

Inspired by the Heart Care Pairs project? Here are actionable steps to improve heart health:

• Team Up: Enlist a supportive partner to set and share health goals, such as increasing daily physical activity or adopting a heart-healthy diet. (source: “Healthy Lifestyle Tips with Family Support.” CDC Family Health)
• Communicate Openly: Discuss challenges and successes with your partner to maintain motivation. (source: Mayo Clinic. “The Importance of Communication in Health Goals.” Mayo Clinic Communication)
• Take Small Steps: Begin with manageable changes, like replacing one sugary snack with a healthier option or walking for 20 minutes a day. (source: American Heart Association. “Small Steps to a Healthier Heart.” AHA Small Steps)

Recruitment Details

Participation Information:

The study is currently recruiting primary care patients with hypertension and their supportive partners.

Eligibility Criteria:

Participants must be:

• Diagnosed with hypertension and receiving primary care.

• Live in communities within Birmingham-metro area, Alabama that face limited healthcare access.

• Able to participate with a supportive partner in the intervention.

Contact Information:

For more information, please contact the research team at heartcarepairs@uabmc.edu.

Learn more about Kaylee and her research

Not eligible to participate? Take control of your health with resources from the American Heart Association, or connect with local programs through your primary care clinic.