RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

The "Seamless" Patient:From Preoperative Preparation to Postoperative Rehabilitation

This study, called 'The "Seamless" Patient', explores how different types of support before and after heart surgery can improve patient care. We're looking at adults having planned heart operations, like bypass surgery or valve repair. Some patients will receive standard care, while others will get more support, including exercise guides and breathing exercises before surgery. This extra help will be delivered either through traditional methods like phone calls and information packs, or through a special mobile app. We want to find out if these enhanced support methods, especially the app, can help patients recover better, feel more informed, and reduce problems after surgery, ultimately improving their quality of life.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Hannover Medical School

Enrolment target

300

Start

28 Jun 2023

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2026

Heart Failure

What is this study about?

Imagine you're going to have heart surgery. This study, called 'The "Seamless" Patient', wants to make sure your journey from preparing for the operation to recovering afterwards feels as smooth and supported as possible. We're focusing on people who are having certain planned heart operations, such as bypass surgery or heart valve repairs.

The main idea is to see if giving patients more guidance and tools before and after their surgery can improve how well they recover. We're looking at different ways to do this. Some patients will receive standard care, which means they'll follow the usual process. Other patients will get extra support, preparing them for surgery with things like special breathing exercises and gentle physical activities. This extra help will be given either through regular phone calls and information packs, or through a new mobile app designed specifically for this study.

We believe that by better preparing patients and keeping in touch with them through these methods, we can help them recover more quickly, feel safer and more secure throughout their treatment, and ultimately improve their quality of life. The study hopes to show that using new technologies like a mobile app can make a big difference in how well patients do after heart surgery and help prevent complications.

Key takeaways

This study focuses on improving recovery from heart surgery.
It explores different ways to support patients before and after their operation.
Support methods include traditional communication or a special mobile app.
The goal is better recovery, less complications, and improved quality of life.
Open to adults having planned heart bypass or valve surgery.

Who may be eligible?

This study is for adults aged 18 or older who are scheduled to have certain planned heart operations, such as coronary bypass surgery or heart valve repair. This includes operations that use a heart-lung machine and those that don't, as well as less invasive procedures. You must be able to understand the study and agree to take part.

There are several reasons why someone might not be able to join. For example, if you need emergency surgery, or if your heart problem was present since birth (a congenital heart defect), you wouldn't be eligible. Also, if you're unable to do simple physical exercises, or if your doctor considers your surgery to be very high-risk, you wouldn't be able to participate. This study is not for children.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

I am 18 years old or older.
I am having a planned heart bypass or heart valve surgery.
I can give my consent (permission) to join a study.
I am able to do simple physical exercises.
My surgery is not an emergency.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you'll be put into one of three groups by chance. One group will receive standard care. Another group will get additional pre-surgery preparation, including guidance on breathing and exercise, through phone calls and information packs. You'll also have a personalised recovery plan and a phone call after surgery to check in.

The third group will receive similar pre-surgery preparation and a personalised recovery plan, but all the extra information and communication will be through a special mobile app. This app will also allow you to communicate with the surgical team after your operation. The total duration of your participation would cover the period leading up to your surgery and then your recovery afterwards, with communication continuing to track your progress.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer you the benefit of more support and guidance before and after your heart surgery, which might help you feel more prepared and recover better. There are no direct medical risks from participating, as the interventions are focused on communication and exercise guidance, not new medications. However, as with any study, there's always a chance you might not experience any direct benefits. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

Medical School Hanover
Verified postcode
Hanover, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What kind of heart surgeries are included?

This study includes planned heart bypass surgery and heart valve surgery, including combination procedures. Minimally invasive surgeries are also included.

What does 'pre-rehabilitation' mean?

It means getting prepared and doing gentle exercises, like breathing practice and light physical activity, before your surgery to help with your recovery.

Will I have to use a mobile phone app?

Only if you are randomly assigned to the group that uses the app for communication and guidance. Other groups receive support through traditional methods or standard care.

What if I can't do physical exercise?

If you are unable to perform simple physical training, you would not be able to take part in this study.

What is the goal of this study?

The study aims to see if better communication and pre-surgery preparation can improve recovery, reduce complications, and enhance the quality of life for heart surgery patients.

How to find out more

Bastian Schmack, PD

schmack.bastian@mh-hannover.de 0511-532-3452 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.