NCT07234565

SOCIAL_HF: Improving Social Frailty Through Interactive Learning

The Effects of "Social Optimization Chat for Interactive Learning for Heart Failure" (SOCIAL_HF) on Improving Social Frailty: A Randomized Controlled Trial

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 208 (estimated)
• Sponsor: The University of Hong Kong · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 60 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether the WeChat-based program "Social Optimization Chat for Interactive Learning for Heart Failure" (SOCIAL\_HF) can improve social frailty in elderly patients with heart failure. The main questions it aims to answer are: Can a 6-week WeChat online group interactive learning program (SOCIAL\_HF) improve social frailty? Does the intervention enhance self-care abilities, social participation, and perceived social support? Researchers will compare SOCIAL\_HF to usual care (self-study heart failure self-care manual) to assess whether SOCIAL\_HF can improve social functioning. Participants will: Engage in weekly WeChat video meetings for six weeks (Participate in peer sharing and collaborative tasks). Complete daily health task check-ins. Access online self-care resources.

Detailed description

Background: Patients with heart failure often face challenges such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and decline in daily functioning, significantly affecting their social activities and resource access, leading to social frailty. Research indicates that social frailty not only lowers quality of life but may also negatively impact survival outcomes. However, effective interventions addressing this issue remain scarce. Aims: This study aims to improve social frailty among heart failure patients by enhancing social resources and promoting social activities. The specific objective is to evaluate the effectiveness of a 6-week WeChat online group interactive learning program (SOCIAL\_HF), which is designed to increase participant interaction and social networks, thereby improving self-care abilities and breaking the vicious cycle of social frailty. Methods: This study will be a two-arm, single-blind, randomized controlled trial (RCT), with a planned recruitment of 208 participants. The study comprises two phases: a feasibility study and a larger-scale RCT. Both phases will use the same recruitment and intervention procedures, with the main differences being the timepoints of follow-ups. Recruitment will occur through face-to-face interviews at multiple hospitals in Shanghai, with eligible participants randomly assigned to either the control group (usual care) or the 6-week intervention group in a 1:1 ratio. The random sequence will be generated by an independent research assistant using a computer-based randomization program. The generated numbers will be placed in opaque envelopes and allocated sequentially by the PI on-site. The intervention will include weekly WeChat video meetings, peer sharing, collaborative tasks, and health goal reviews, as well as daily health task check-ins and access to online self-care resources. The control group will establish a WeChat connection with the research assistants and receive standard care, which includes a health education manual. However, they will not participate in group learning or discussions. During the feasibility study phase, participants will undergo primary and secondary outcome assessments at baseline and immediately post-intervention, conducted by independent research assistants. A mixed-methods approach will be employed to assess feasibility, including quantitative and qualitative analyses to evaluate recruitment status, attendance, and retention rates. Additionally, one-on-one semi-structured interviews will be conducted to determine the appropriateness and acceptability of the intervention measures. In the large-scale RCT phase, participants will receive outcome assessments at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and three months after the intervention to evaluate its maintenance effects on primary and secondary outcomes. Outcomes: The primary outcome is social frailty, and the secondary outcome is perceived social support, social participation, and self-care.

Conditions

• Heart Failure

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	SOCIAL_HF	Participants will engage in a 6-week, WeChat-based group learning program called SOCIAL\_HF, focused on heart failure self-care. This program comprises two key components: structured real-time interactive learning and ongoing synchronous support. Real-time interactive learning will be conducted through WeChat video group meetings weekly, featuring peer sharing, problem-solving collaborative tasks, health goal setting, progress sharing, and the establishment of group contracts. Daily synchronous chat interactions will revolve around completing group contract tasks, weekly quizzes, and daily sharing. Additionally, participants will have access to an online self-care resource hub on the WeChat platform for reference and use.
OTHER	Self-study heart failure self-care manual	The control group will establish a WeChat connection with PI and receive standard care, which includes a health education manual. However, they will not participate in group learning or discussions. They can consult with research assistants via WeChat for any questions they may have, but the researchers will only provide explanations related to the health education manual and will not offer additional educational resources or group interactions.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-09-15
• Primary completion: 2027-09-30
• Completion: 2027-09-30
• First posted: 2025-11-18
• Last updated: 2025-11-18

Locations

3 sites across 1 country: China