Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Interoceptive Intervention for Congenital Heart Disease

Living with a heart condition you were born with (congenital heart disease, or CHD) can bring physical symptoms, as well as emotional and social challenges. This study explores an online group program designed to help adults with CHD become more aware of their body's internal signals, like breathing or heart rate, and learn helpful ways to respond to them. This type of approach has worked for other long-term health issues, but it's new for CHD. The study will see if this program is practical, well-liked, and if it has positive effects on participants' anxiety, mood, and overall quality of life. Thirty-two people from the Scottish Adult Congenital Cardiac Service will take part.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Glasgow

Enrolment target

Start

01 Jul 2026

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2026

Interoception Congenital Heart Disease

What is this study about?

This study is looking into a new way to help adults who have a heart condition they've had since birth, called congenital heart disease (CHD). We know that living with CHD can sometimes bring challenges, not just physically, but also emotionally and socially, which can affect how people feel day-to-day. While there's lots of medical help available, we're still learning the best ways to provide psychological support for people with CHD.

The study focuses on something called "interoception." This is basically your body's ability to sense what's happening inside – things like your breathing, your heartbeat, or feeling tired. Thinking about how you notice and react to these internal signals is key. This type of approach has been helpful for people with other long-term health conditions, but it hasn't been tried much with adults who have CHD. So, this study wants to see if a new online group program based on these ideas could help people with CHD.

In this program, participants will join eight online sessions led by expert psychologists. These sessions will help them explore how their internal body signals are linked to their feelings, actions, and physical symptoms related to their CHD. The groups will offer discussions and exercises to improve understanding of these body sensations and teach practical ways to respond to them. The goal is to help participants use this understanding to better manage their daily lives. We’ll be asking for feedback to make sure the program is helpful and well-received.

Key takeaways

New online group program for adults with congenital heart disease.
Aims to help you understand and respond to your body's internal signals.
Involves 8 weekly online sessions with psychologists.
Participation is voluntary and you can withdraw at any time.
May help improve your well-being and coping strategies.
Your feedback is important for improving future support.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to be an adult, aged 18 or older. You must also be receiving care from the Scottish Adult Congenital Cardiac Service at the Golden Jubilee University National Hospital. It's important that you can understand and speak English, are able to give your clear agreement to participate, and have a device like a computer or tablet that can use Microsoft Teams for online meetings. You should also be able to commit to attending all the group sessions.

There are some situations where you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you are currently having thoughts of harming yourself, or if you have problems with alcohol or drug use. People with a diagnosed learning disability or serious, ongoing mental health conditions like personality disorder or psychosis are also not suitable for this study. Similarly, if you have severe difficulties with hearing, seeing, or thinking that would make it hard to take part safely in an online group, you wouldn't be able to participate. If you are waiting for heart surgery or a transplant, or if you are already receiving intensive psychological treatment, this study might not be right for you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you a patient of the Scottish Adult Congenital Cardiac Service at Golden Jubilee Hospital?
Can you speak and understand English well?
Do you have a device that can use Microsoft Teams for online meetings?
Are you free from serious mental health conditions or current substance misuse problems?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll be assigned by chance to one of two groups: either you'll start the online group program straight away, or you'll be on a waiting list and start later. The online group program lasts for eight weeks, with one session each week. These sessions will be led by psychologists. Before the program starts and again afterward, you'll be asked to fill out some online questionnaires. These will ask about how you sense your body, any worry or low mood you might be feeling, and your overall quality of life. You'll also be asked to share your thoughts on how helpful and acceptable the program was. In total, your involvement will span a few months, including the eight weeks of sessions and time for completing questionnaires.

Potential risks and benefits

By taking part, you might gain a better understanding of your body's signals and learn new ways to manage your well-being, which could potentially improve how you cope with your CHD. There are no known physical risks. However, discussing your health and emotions in a group setting might sometimes bring up difficult feelings, but emotional support will be available if you need it. Remember, joining is completely voluntary, and you can change your mind and leave the study at any time without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Golden Jubilee University National Hospital
Verified postcode
Glasgow, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is 'interoception'?

Interoception is your ability to feel and understand signals coming from inside your body, like your heart beating or your stomach rumbling.

Who is running this study?

The study is being led by a team involving clinical psychologists and aims to help adults with congenital heart disease.

Will I have to pay to join this study?

No, there are no costs for you to participate in this study.

What if I feel uncomfortable during the group sessions?

Emotional support will be available to you if you experience any distress related to the discussions or materials.

Will my information be kept private?

Yes, all your information collected during the study will be handled confidentially and kept private.

How to find out more

Jason McBurnie

2272649m@student.gla.ac.uk 07710885146 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.