Two NIH Collaboratory Trials, BEST-ICU and Chat 4 Heart Health, have transitioned from the planning phase to the implementation phase. Both trials are supported by awards from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
BEST-ICU: Improving ICU Care
BEST-ICU (Behavioral Economics and Staffing Strategies to Increase Adoption of the ABCDEF Bundle in the ICU) is evaluating strategies grounded in behavioral economics theory and implementation science. The goal is to increase the adoption of the ABCDEF bundle in intensive care units. The ABCDEF bundle is a multicomponent, evidence-based intervention designed to improve team-based care and outcomes for critically ill adults. The trial has updated its ethics and regulatory documentation as part of this transition.
The study focuses particularly on healthcare systems serving populations with known health disparities, aiming to bridge gaps in care quality and outcomes. By focusing on the ABCDEF bundle, BEST-ICU seeks to enhance several aspects of patient care within the ICU setting.
Chat 4 Heart Health: Enhancing Cardiovascular Health
Chat 4 Heart Health is testing the comparative effectiveness of three text messaging delivery strategies. These strategies are designed to improve individuals’ self-management of health behaviors, including physical activity and medication adherence. The trial aims to provide evidence regarding the best population-based strategy for universal delivery to engage patients in self-management. This engagement is intended to improve the American Heart Association’s “Life’s Essential 8” measures for improving and maintaining cardiovascular health.
The transition to the implementation phase marks a significant step forward for both trials, bringing them closer to providing actionable insights for improving patient care and health outcomes.
