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Evaluating the implementation and impact of the HEart faiLure carer support Programme (HELP) in the United Kingdom: A
Gareth Thompson1, Judy Bradley2, Martin Dempster3
1School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom.
Plos One
|April 17, 2026
Summary
This study protocol outlines the evaluation of the HEart faiLure carer support Programme for informal heart failure carers. Findings will guide the program
Area of Science:
- Implementation science
- Healthcare delivery research
- Patient and caregiver support
Background:
- Informal carers of heart failure patients often lack adequate preparation and support.
- The HEart faiLure carer support Programme was co-designed with stakeholders and pilot-tested for feasibility.
- This study protocol details the evaluation of the programme's real-world implementation and impact.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the implementation and impact of the HEart faiLure carer support Programme in UK clinical settings.
- To assess the acceptability, fidelity, context, cost, and effectiveness of the intervention.
- To identify factors influencing successful translation into clinical practice.
Main Methods:
- Mixed-method, multi-centre, prospective cohort study with nested process and economic evaluations.
- 180 informal carers and 180 heart failure patients across five UK sites.
- Nurse-led online support groups and educational resources; quantitative and qualitative data collection from carers, patients, and healthcare professionals.
Main Results:
- Data collection will evaluate intervention acceptability, fidelity, context, economic cost, and impact.
- An integrative analysis using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research and Normalisation Process Theory will be performed.
- Synergies between quantitative and qualitative data will be identified.
Conclusions:
- Results will elucidate factors for successful intervention translation and necessary contextual adaptations.
- Preliminary evidence of intervention impact will be generated.
- Findings will inform a large-scale study for routine rollout of the HEart faiLure carer support Programme.
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