Led by Florida State University College of Nursing and spearheaded by Associate Professor Lucinda J. Graven, PhD, APRN, FAHA, FAAN. This groundbreaking research project, "Supporting Physical & Mental Health in Rural Veterans with Heart Failure (CARE-HF)," is aimed at improving the lives of veterans living with heart failure.

A Mission of Hope

The heart of this program involves a 12-week individualized problem-solving and support intervention (CARE-HF) delivered directly to participants’ homes via telephone. Led by a registered nurse with specialized knowledge in cardiovascular care, this program is designed to enhance problem-solving skills and improve physical and mental health outcomes. These sessions, conducted weekly for the first month and every other week for the next two months, provide vital support in managing heart failure in the home.

Why This Study Matters

The significance of this study cannot be overstated. Heart failure is a condition that affects the lives of over 6.5 million Americans, but rural Veterans often experience a lack of resources, healthcare access, and social support. This research aims to bridge those gaps and make a meaningful difference.

Research has shown that rural heart failure patients face higher mortality rates, increased hospitalization and ER visits, and limited access to mental health care. Moreover, depression and anxiety are often associated with reduced quality of life, making this study an essential step toward addressing these issues.

Our Goal

Our long-term goal is to develop a cost-effective, culturally sensitive intervention that can be widely disseminated to veterans with heart failure. By conducting a large-scale randomized controlled trial, we intend to:

Test the effectiveness of the CARE-HF intervention on heart failure self-care, depression, anxiety, and quality of life.

Assess the sustainability of the intervention over 18 months.

Optimize intervention components to enhance their design and utilization.

Join the Movement

Our veterans are the heart of this study. We invite all U.S. veterans from both rural and urban areas diagnosed with heart failure, aged 18 or older, who speak, read, and understand English to participate. The best part? You won’t need to travel. You can complete all study activities from the comfort of your home over the phone.

As a token of our appreciation, each participant will receive up to $100 in gift cards based on study completion.

Don’t miss this opportunity to make a difference in your life and the lives of many others. For more information or to enroll, contact Dr. Lucinda Graven at Florida State University College of Nursing by email at [email protected] or call 850-644-5601.

You can also click the link below to complete the online interest form.

Interest Form