Mindfulness Training to Promote Medication Adherence in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure

This project seeks to study the role of mindfulness training (MT) in the promotion of
medication adherence among patients with chronic heart failure. The investigators will assess
the feasibility and acceptability of this approach in this population and determine whether
MT improves medication adherence. A prospective pre/post design study will be conducted among
50 stable outpatients with HF and sub-optimal medication adherence. MT sessions (one 30-min
session/week over 8 weeks) will be phone-delivered by qualified mindfulness instructors. Data
will be collected at baseline, and at 2- and 6-months since baseline.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Age > = 18

- Fluency in English language

- A confirmed diagnosis of heart failure

- Sub-optimal adherence to medications

- Access to a telephone

- Ability to understand and speak English

Exclusion Criteria:

- Unwillingness/inability to provide informed consent

- New York Heart Association (NYHA) class IV heart failure or clinically unstable

- Severe hearing impairment not allowing phone delivery

- Severe depressive symptoms

- Acute psychosis

- Severe cognitive impairment

- Recent hospitalization (< 6 weeks)

- Current (at least once a month) mind/body practice