NCT07485491 · Massachusetts General Hospital
Enhancing Cardiac Rehabilitation Attendance After Secondary Myocardial Infarction Through Clinician Messaging and Motivational Calls
(ATTEND-CR)
What this study is about
The goal of this clinical trial is to determine if a behavioral intervention can increase attendance at cardiac rehabilitation (CR) after secondary/type 2 myocardial infarction in adult patients.
View original scientific description
The goal of this clinical trial is to determine if a behavioral intervention can increase attendance at cardiac rehabilitation (CR) after secondary/type 2 myocardial infarction in adult patients. The main question it aims to answer is: * Does the ATTEND-CR intervention increase attendance at ≥1 CR exercise session within 140 days of randomization? * Does the intervention increase completion of ≥12 CR exercise sessions within 140 days of randomization? Researchers will compare participants receiving the ATTEND-CR intervention (clinician notifications and a motivational interviewing participant phone call) to usual care to see if attendance and completion of CR improve.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Clinician-level intervention
The inpatient clinical team receives an EPIC in-basket and email detailing the patient's study participation, benefits of cardiac rehabilitation, and guidance on how to place a cardiac referral if appropriate. If a cardiac rehabilitation referral is not placed within 3 days post-discharge, a follow-up message is sent to one of the patient's outpatient clinician within 4-28 days post-discharge and within 140 days of randomization.
BEHAVIORAL
Patient-level intervention
Participants receive a phone call applying motivational interviewing principles if a cardiac rehabilitation referral has been placed by their clinical team within 56 days post-discharge and within 140 days of randomization. The phone call aims to discuss cardiac rehabilitation, barriers to participation, and support engagement in cardiac rehabilitation.
Primary outcome measures
Number of Participants Who Attended one or more Cardiac Rehabilitation Exercise Session
Time frame: Within 140 days (inclusive) post-randomization
Attendance at one or more cardiac rehabilitation exercise session
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Age ≥ 18 years
- Inpatient at MGH with an index likely or confirmed secondary MI
- Primary care provider (PCP) within the Mass General Brigham (MGB) network with at least one visit in the past 2 years
- Anticipated ability to ambulate independently without walking aids or supplemental ambulatory oxygen at discharge
- Ability to provide informed consent
Exclusion criteria
- Known severe untreated valvular heart disease or severe prosthetic valve dysfunction
- Known hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy
- End-stage heart failure (VAD, transplant patient, or undergoing evaluation for VAD or transplant)
- Hemodynamic instability at the time of pre-screening
- Terminal illness with life expectancy \< 1 year
- Severe anemia (hemoglobin \< 8 g/dL) at the time of pre-screening
- Active, unstable cancer (excluding non-metastatic skin cancer) or currently receiving intensive cancer therapy
- Advanced kidney disease requiring renal replacement therapy
- Receiving palliative or comfort care only
- Recurrent falls (≥2) or falls with injury in the past year
- Physical or cognitive impairment likely to prevent safe participation in exercise over the next 5 months (e.g., significant stroke deficits, dementia)
- High-risk for non-adherence to study requirements
- Incarcerated individuals
- Currently pregnant or within 3 months postpartum
- Previously referred to or participated in CR within the past year
- Alternative MI subtype (spontaneous \[type 1 MI\] or procedural MI \[type 4 or 5 MI\]) in the past 6 months
- Suspected or confirmed coronary mechanism of index MI (vasospasm, embolism, or spontaneous coronary artery dissection)
- Anticipated discharge or discharged before enrollment measures can be completed
- Anticipated discharge to a facility where independent participation in CR is not feasible
- Previously enrolled in or declined participation in this study
Where
- Boston, Massachusetts
Collaborators
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Sep 23, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations