Home / About this study

About this study

About this study

This research study will test the impact of a new online learning tool AVITA (Aortic Valve Improved Treatment Approaches) for people with Aortic Stenosis.  Aortic stenosis is a narrowed heart valve that does not open properly. Your participation will help us understand if AVITA helps people understand their treatment options, choose treatment, and communicate with their valve specialist.

What is AVITA?

  • AVITA is an online learning tool (or decision aid).
  • It is designed to help people with aortic stenosis understand their treatment options, prioritize their treatment goals, and make better decisions in collaboration with their valve specialist.
  • It includes a series of passages and surveys for patients to read and complete.
  • It generates an individualized report that can be shared with your valve specialist(s).
  • This report summarizes your treatment goals and preferences. The report is designed to help your valve specialist understand what matters to you so that they can help you find the treatment that is best for you.

Who is eligible:

  • Adults with aortic stenosis who are coming in to talk with their valve specialist (such as a cardiologist, cardiac surgeon, or interventional cardiologist) about treatment for their aortic stenosis.

AVITA Study Overview

  • All study surveys are online.

BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT

  • Step 1 : Complete the first survey

    • This survey  determines if you are eligible to participate, explains the study in detail, obtains your consent to participate, and asks questions about you, your upcoming appointment with your valve specialist, your experience with aortic stenosis, and your thoughts about your treatment options.
    • This survey should take between 5-15 minutes to complete.
  • Step 2: Complete AVITA tool

    • As soon as you complete the first survey you will be given access to AVITA.
      • We recommend that you complete AVITA at that time so that you have ample time to digest the information before your appointment with your valve specialist.
      • If you do not have time to complete AVITA at that time, you can complete it a bit later, as long as it is before your appointment with your valve specialist.
        • If you do not complete AVITA that day, you will receive email reminders to complete it before your appointment. These emails will include the link to AVITA.
    • AVITA should take between 15-20 minutes to complete.
    • You will be emailed an Amazon gift card ($40) when you complete AVITA, as long as it is before your appointment with your valve specialist. (what if it’s afterwards???)

DURING YOUR APPOINTMENT

  • Step 3: Consider bringing the AVITA Summary Report with you when you see your valve specialist

    • AVITA will send the summary report to the valve specialist that you designate.
    • In case the report does not get transmitted, we encourage you to bring your summary report with you to your appointment
    • We encourage you to discuss the Summary Report with your valve specialist.
      • We will email you reminders before your appointment.

AFTER YOUR APPOINTMENT

  • Step 4: Complete the final survey.
    • On the day or your visit with your valve specialist (or shortly thereafter), we will email you the final survey.
    • This survey will ask you about your appointment, communication with your clinician, your treatment preferences and plans.
    • This survey should take 10-15 minutes to complete.
    • You will be emailed an Amazon gift card ($35) when you complete the survey. It should arrive within a day or two of completing the survey.