A Framework for an Integrated Assessment of Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs in Patients Acutely Managed for Cardiogenic Shock - ENIGMA-shock

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are conducting a multicenter study involving patients who have experienced Cardiogenic Shock (CS) to better understand post-acute care programs, patients' functional recovery, return to work, and quality of life. The study will also evaluate new care pathways compared with traditional methods to assess their impact on health outcomes, economic efficiency, and sustainability. This research is funded by the Italian Ministry of Health and coordinated by IRCCS Fondazione Don Gnocchi using data from the Altshock registry, the largest CS registry in Italy. The study focuses on cardiac rehabilitation interventions for CS survivors, including respiratory physiotherapy, muscle strengthening, endurance exercises like walking and cycling, and cardiovascular training. Neuromotor rehabilitation targets muscle loss and nerve damage with specialized exercises and technologies such as functional electrical stimulation, robotics, and virtual reality. Additional support includes cognitive-behavioral therapy for psychological effects, speech and occupational therapy, home reintegration planning, and telerehabilitation to support long-term recovery. Participants will be followed for up to one year after ICU discharge, with assessments at six months measuring survival rates, hospital readmissions, functional recovery, and patient-reported health status. Researchers will collect clinical, economic, and patient experience data to compare outcomes between those receiving post-acute care services and those who do not. The goal is to validate an innovative care model that improves quality of life and reduces mortality while demonstrating cost-effectiveness and healthcare sustainability.

Cardiac Rehabilitation in Patients Acutely Managed for Cardiogenic Shock (ENIGMA)