A Hybrid Implementation-Effectiveness Trial of Nurse-Delivered PTSD Treatment in Primary Care

Experiencing a major heart event, such as a heart attack or stroke, can be a life-changing and traumatic experience. Many survivors develop symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which can make it harder to manage heart health and follow medical advice. The NEST study aims to test a new program where specially trained primary care nurses provide a brief, four-session trauma treatment directly within your regular doctor’s office. Participants are randomly assigned (like a coin flip) to one of two groups for a 6-month period:

1. The NEST Program: You will meet with a trained nurse for four sessions (45–60 minutes each). You will talk about your health history, create a "lifeline" of your experiences, and learn techniques to process difficult memories and manage stress.
2. Usual Care: You will receive educational materials about medical trauma and a referral to a local trauma recovery clinic for additional support. 

All participants will complete check-in assessments (surveys and health measurements) at the start of the study, then 1 week, 3 months, and 6 months later. You may also be asked to wear a FitBit to track your heart rate variability. You will receive $10 incentive for each assessment visit completed.

In order to participate you must meet the following criteria:

• Have had a recent cardiovascular event.
• Are experiencing PTSD symptoms.
• Are a primary care patient at Rush.
• Are 18 years of age or older.

This is a partial list of eligibility requirements. To inquire about your eligibility, please call the contact number provided. If you wish to inquire via email, please include the title of the study in your message.