Heiligenschwendi

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) survivors often experience ongoing physical and psychological challenges, including fatigue and breathing difficulties, which reduce their overall health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This research evaluates whether a digital lifestyle intervention can improve HRQoL in these survivors over three months. The study focuses on enhancing physical activity, nutrition, and breathing or relaxation practices through a mobile application designed specifically for NSCLC survivors. Participants in the intervention group will receive access to a personalized and interactive mobile app for three months after completing rehabilitation or cancer treatment. The program includes behavior change techniques such as goal setting, feedback, knowledge shaping, and behavior comparison. A single virtual session at the start helps participants familiarize themselves with the app and sets their program level. There are no face-to-face appointments during the intervention period. Throughout the study, researchers will monitor participants' health-related quality of life from the start until three months later. Participants must have access to a smartphone or tablet and understand German to follow the study materials and assessments. Data collection includes self-reported outcomes via the app, and safety and participation are overseen by the study team. The total involvement lasts for the three-month intervention period after treatment or rehabilitation completion.

Researchers are evaluating a new digital education and self-management program designed for people with fibrotic interstitial lung diseases (FILD). This observational study aims to explore the program's acceptability, usefulness, and practicality during inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation and outpatient ILD care. It also examines whether participation is linked to changes in health-related outcomes compared to patients treated before the program was introduced. The program includes multiple web-based e-learning modules tailored to individual patient needs and symptoms. Participants can access it via smartphone, tablet, or computer during their inpatient rehabilitation stay or outpatient clinic visits. In inpatient settings, patients use the program flexibly with therapist support and discuss content during routine sessions, retaining access after discharge. Outpatients receive access during ILD clinic visits with follow-up discussions and reminders to encourage engagement. Participants complete questionnaires about their experience and health outcomes, including self-efficacy and quality of life measures. Functional exercise capacity, symptoms, psychological well-being, and oxygen needs during activity are also monitored using routine clinical data and patient reports. The study assesses feasibility factors such as recruitment, retention, adherence, and barriers to implementation over 3 to 6 months to guide a future larger trial.

Researchers are evaluating health outcomes in patients aged 18 and older who have long-term illnesses such as cancer, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, or pulmonary diseases. The study aims to assess the effects of comprehensive disease-specific rehabilitation programs on physical fitness, body composition, disease-related risk factors, and patient-reported health experiences including anxiety, depression, fatigue, quality of life, and satisfaction with rehabilitation. These insights help improve care quality and tailor future rehabilitation and long-term care services for people with chronic conditions. Participants receive rehabilitation in several formats based on medical needs and preferences: a 3-week inpatient program or 12-week outpatient programs that may be centre-based, digitally-enhanced centre- and home-based, or entirely home-based using digital or telehealth support. These programs are delivered at two rehabilitation centers in Bern, Switzerland, with counseling by trained advanced practice nurses guiding the choice of rehabilitation type. During the study, patients undergo assessments following the World Health Organization's framework, including changes in cardiorespiratory fitness measured by peak oxygen uptake or a 6-minute walking test from rehabilitation start to discharge and again to one year after discharge. Additional evaluations cover body composition, lung, heart, and muscle health, as well as mental well-being and health-related quality of life. The study also investigates how new technologies like telerehabilitation are implemented, accepted, and followed by patients.