Improving the Well-Being of Patients with Heart Failure

Professor Andrew Boyle, The University of Newcastle

2021 Mental Health & Heart Disease Strategic Grant

Years funded: 2022-2025

Depression is highly prevalent and associated with increased hospitalisation and mortality among patients with heart disease. A whole-person care approach to depression management, encompassing mental wellbeing, behavioural risk factors and treatment adherence, is needed. This study will test whether a well-being app for patients discharged with Acute Decompensated Heart Failure reduces depression. Via the app, patients will be prompted to monitor depression and clinical outcomes, and offered tailored self-care advice. Outcomes will be assessed monthly via brief measures for depression (PHQ-2 and PHQ-9) and healthcare utilisation. The patient’s cardiac team will track real-time patient data, and receive automated emails if patients enter high risk data. General practitioners will receive automated emails for patients reporting high levels of depression, and encouraged to schedule a patient consultation. This novel process will prioritise urgent patient mental health needs while empowering the patient with self-care knowledge.