Since ACHA's emerging research program launched in 2019, we have invested more than $600,000 to fund 20 research investigations specifically focused on adult congenital heart disease (ACHD). In fact, ACHA is the only national nonprofit organization focusing solely on ACHD research. The researchers who were awarded research grants through the ACHA Research Program are hoping to improve the landscape of treatment options, innovative surgery/intervention options, medications, and overall neurocognitive health of all ACHD patients.
Today we are spotlighting another researcher—and her research intervention that started in 2022 with funding from ACHA—to share the results that directly affect those with ACHD.
In this update, we are highlighting Vicki Freedenberg, PhD, RN, a 2022 Meil Family Foundation Research Award for Neurocognitive Studies recipient from Children’s National Hospital, in Washington, D.C., and her study, "Exploring Mind Body Resilience and Coping/Cognitive Exercises (EMBRACE): A Psychoeducational Intervention for Adult Congenital Heart Disease, a Randomized Control Trial."
The EMBRACE study evaluated a virtual, mindfulness-based behavioral intervention (MBBI) designed specifically for adults with CHD, a population with high rates of anxiety and depression. The study aimed to determine whether such a tailored intervention could improve mental health, resilience, and coping skills.
A total of 41 eligible participants were randomized into three staggered groups: one received the intervention immediately, and two others received standard care before later participating in the program. The intervention was delivered over six weeks via real-time virtual sessions led by a multidisciplinary team experienced in CHD and mindfulness practices.
Here are some of the results:
Satisfaction with the overall program was high, and qualitative feedback was overwhelmingly positive. The study demonstrates that ACHD-specific mindfulness interventions can have a meaningful impact on psychological well-being.
Vicki shared the following with ACHA: "This generous grant from the Meil Family Foundation and the ACHA allowed our group to design, deliver, and test a novel mindfulness-based intervention with the goal of reducing stress and improving coping and resilience in adults with congenital heart disease. Our novel approach of delivering the ACHD-specific EMBRACE intervention virtually (in real time) was an innovative feature of this intervention which allowed the participants to engage in the intervention from wherever they were."
While the results are promising, the researchers note that further studies are needed to evaluate the long-term effectiveness and sustainability of the intervention. The EMBRACE program was also designed to be replicable in other institutions, allowing for broader testing and potential expansion.
Congratulations to Vicki and her team on the recent publication of her study in Pediatric Cardiology. Click here to review the abstract.
Research projects like this are only made possible by our Research Fund donors. To learn more about how you can support our Research Program, click here.
Thank you to our generous donors and corporate funders who have already invested in ACHA’s Research Fund and our 2025 funding cycle including the Meil Family Foundation, Brad's Heart of a Jayhawk Research Fund, Dale Amorosia Heart Fund, Diana J. Kalman, Ericson Hilbun, Heithoff Charitable Fund, Jim Wong Memorial Fund, Joseph E. Hebert, Kenagy Family Foundation, and Northwest Atlantic.