Better care for older adults with irregular heartbeat and heart failure in rural villages

This trial is testing a new care model where village doctors in rural China receive specialized training to manage two common heart conditions that often occur together: atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat) and heart failure. The goal is to see whether this coordinated care approach — with regular follow-ups, medication checks, and patient education — helps older adults stay healthier and avoid hospitalizations.

Older adults in rural China who have both irregular heartbeat and heart failure face particular challenges: village doctors often lack training and resources, specialist care is hard to reach, and patients don't always get the right medications or ongoing monitoring. This trial exists to see whether better training and coordination at the village clinic level can close these gaps and improve outcomes.