Interoceptive Based Intervention in Congenital Heart Disease
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A Randomised Controlled Feasibility Trial Exploring an Interoceptive-Based Intervention in Patients with Congenital Heart Disease.
IRAS ID
367530
Contact name
Katja Weides
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Glasgow
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 4 months, 1 days
Research summary
Adults living with congenital heart disease (CHD) commonly experience physical symptoms alongside emotional and social challenges, which can affect wellbeing and quality of life. Access to psychological services varies and evidence to guide service delivery and development is still emerging.
Interoceptive-based approaches (focusing on awareness and understanding of internal physical sensations such as breathing, heart rate or fatigue) have shown benefit in other long term health conditions, but have not been studied in adults with CHD. This study will evaluate the acceptability and potential benefits of a newly adapted online, skills-based group programme for adults with CHD.
Thirty-two participants will be recruited through the Scottish Adult Congenital Cardiac Service and randomly allocated to one of two cohorts: Cohort 1 (Immediate Intervention) and Cohort 2 (Delayed/Waitlist Intervention). The group programme will involve eight online sessions delivered by a qualified Principal Clinical Psychologist and Trainee Clinical Psychologist. Weekly topics will cover the relationship between interoception and key areas of interest, such as living with CHD, emotions and behaviours. Group discussions and exercises will focus on increasing awareness and understanding of internal sensations, regulating and reappraising interoceptive cues and using the body to guide behaviours and activities.
Participants will complete online questionnaires before and after the intervention assessing interoception, anxiety, mood and health-related quality of life. Participants will also provide feedback on their experience of the group. Taking part is voluntary, participants may withdraw at any time without it affecting their clinical care, and emotional support will be available if anyone feels upset or distressed by the content of the group materials and discussions.
Findings will inform refinement of the group programme, estimation of sample size for a larger future trial, and enhancement of psychological support for adults with CHD. The findings may also be published in a scientific journal and presented at relevant conferences.
REC name
South Central - Oxford A Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/SC/0144
Date of REC Opinion
12 May 2026
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion