Protocol for VetASSIST: A randomized controlled trial to evaluate virtual peer health coaching for veterans with multimorbidity

IF 1.9 3区医学 Q3 MEDICINE, RESEARCH & EXPERIMENTAL

Contemporary clinical trials Pub Date : 2025-08-14 DOI:10.1016/j.cct.2025.108045

Kristen E. Gray , Jennifer L. Williams , Andrades Rivera-Remines , Tiffanie Fennell , Mayuree Rao , Tavion Rogers , Leslie Taylor , Karin M. Nelson , Katherine D. Hoerster

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

More than half of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) patients have multimorbidity, two or more co-occurring chronic conditions. Multimorbidity impairs health-related quality of life and contributes to disability, mortality, and high healthcare costs. Chronic conditions typically require individuals to engage in self-management, which can be especially challenging for those with multimorbidity. We developed a Veteran-led, synchronous video peer health coaching intervention called VetASSIST to help patients with multimorbidity overcome barriers to self-management and improve health-related quality of life. We are conducting a randomized controlled trial to determine the effectiveness of VetASSIST.

Methods

Veterans from a single VA healthcare system (N = 294) with at least three chronic conditions in three or more body systems are randomized 1:1 to either usual care (control) or usual care plus Veteran peer health coaching (intervention). Those in the intervention group receive 20 video visits over one year delivered by trained Veteran peers who provide brief health education; assistance with disease self-management, including goal setting and problem-solving; linkages to VA and community resources; and social support. The primary outcome is 12-month change from baseline in physical health-related quality of life, measured by the SF-12. Secondary outcomes include 12-month changes in SF-12 mental health-related quality of life and healthcare utilization.

Discussion

This trial will test whether a peer health coaching program can promote health and wellbeing among individuals with multimorbidity. If effective, the VetASSIST program could be implemented within VA and other healthcare systems to support high risk patients with multimorbidity.

Clinical Trials Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05560451).

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VetASSIST方案：一项评估多重疾病退伍军人虚拟同伴健康指导的随机对照试验。

背景：超过一半的退伍军人事务部（VA）患者有多病，两种或两种以上并存的慢性疾病。多病会损害与健康有关的生活质量，并导致残疾、死亡率和高昂的医疗费用。慢性疾病通常需要个人进行自我管理，这对那些患有多种疾病的人来说尤其具有挑战性。我们开发了一种由退伍军人主导的同步视频同伴健康指导干预，称为VetASSIST，以帮助患有多种疾病的患者克服自我管理的障碍，并改善与健康相关的生活质量。我们正在进行一项随机对照试验来确定VetASSIST的有效性。方法：来自单一VA医疗保健系统的退伍军人（N = 294）在三个或三个以上的身体系统中至少有三种慢性病，按1:1随机分为常规护理组（对照组）或常规护理加退伍军人同伴健康指导组（干预组）。干预组在一年内接受20次视频探访，由训练有素的退伍军人同伴提供简短的健康教育；协助疾病自我管理，包括设定目标和解决问题；与退伍军人事务部和社区资源的联系；还有社会支持。主要结局是由SF-12测量的身体健康相关生活质量从基线到12个月的变化。次要结局包括12个月SF-12心理健康相关生活质量和医疗保健利用的变化。讨论：本试验将测试同伴健康指导计划是否能促进多重疾病患者的健康和福祉。如果有效，VetASSIST项目可以在VA和其他医疗保健系统中实施，以支持患有多种疾病的高风险患者。临床试验注册：Clinicaltrials.gov （NCT05560451）。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Contemporary clinical trials 医学-药学

CiteScore

3.70

自引率

4.50%

发文量

281

审稿时长

44 days

期刊介绍： Contemporary Clinical Trials is an international peer reviewed journal that publishes manuscripts pertaining to all aspects of clinical trials, including, but not limited to, design, conduct, analysis, regulation and ethics. Manuscripts submitted should appeal to a readership drawn from disciplines including medicine, biostatistics, epidemiology, computer science, management science, behavioural science, pharmaceutical science, and bioethics. Full-length papers and short communications not exceeding 1,500 words, as well as systemic reviews of clinical trials and methodologies will be published. Perspectives/commentaries on current issues and the impact of clinical trials on the practice of medicine and health policy are also welcome.