Rationale and design of Mind-HF: randomized trial of the original Mindfulness-Based Heart Training for patients with heart failure

Introduction: There is evidence that mindfulness-based interventions can be effective in the treatment of patients with depression, anxiety, posttraumatic distress syndrome and many other disorders. Psychological disorders are common among heart failure patients. In the management of heart failure interventions based on mindfulness are used sporadically, and there is also a need for more evidence-based data to prove the efficacy of these methods. Material, methods and results: Mind-HF is a pilot, single-centre, open-label study in which 30 adults hospitalized for heart failure (HF) are randomized to start Mindfulness-Based Heart Training (MBHT) or psychoeducational intervention. The efficacy and safety of MBHT training in comparison to psychoeducational intervention will be assessed over 3 months. Both interventions will be delivered online, therefore, additional feasibility of educational interventions through online tools will also be tested. Conclusions: Mind-HF will provide evidence of the efficacy and safety of the original, HF-tailored mindfulness program delivered online. The results will thus be relevant for introducing MBHT to clinical practice for the management of HF. It will also check the feasibility of online tools in delivering education and psychological support for this group of patients.