Yverdon Les Bains

Chronic Kidney Disease-Associated Pruritus (CKD-aP) is a distressing skin itching condition affecting around 25% of Swiss patients undergoing hemodialysis, mostly with moderate to severe symptoms. This condition negatively impacts sleep, quality of life, social interaction, and survival. Researchers are evaluating the effect of hand massage by nurses on itch severity, health-related quality of life, and sleep compared to usual care in patients on hemodialysis. The study uses a mixed-methods design including a randomized controlled trial and qualitative interviews to better understand the intervention's effects and patient experiences. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the hand massage group or a control group receiving verbal attention without physical touch. The hand massage involves rhythmic and circular movements with moderate pressure on the forearm, palm, and fingers, applied for 10 minutes three times a week during the first month and once a week for the next two months. The control group receives 10 minutes of uninterrupted nurse conversation on the same schedule during the first month and once monthly for the following two months. Data collection includes questionnaires administered at baseline, one month, and three months. Participants will complete assessments of itch severity, itch-related quality of life, health-related quality of life, and sleep quality at baseline, one month, and three months. Twelve participants from the massage group will be interviewed to explore their experiences. The study includes continuous monitoring, and statistical analyses will compare group outcomes over time. The total participation duration is three months, with follow-up assessments and qualitative interviews for deeper insights.

Researchers are evaluating the impact of a brief Consultation-Liaison (CL) psychiatry intervention in primary care settings in French-speaking Switzerland. This study focuses on patients who present with mental health problems such as psychiatric symptoms, psychosomatic disorders, depression, and anxiety. The trial aims to assess whether integrating CL-psychiatric care into primary care improves mental health symptoms, quality of life, and the doctor-patient relationship, compared to usual treatment practices. This pilot study will determine the feasibility of a larger, mixed-method randomized controlled trial. The intervention involves a brief CL psychiatric consultation delivered over about two months in three phases: a referral from the patient's primary care physician (PCP) to a CL psychiatrist, 1 to 4 psychiatric sessions conducted at the PCP's practice, and a joint feedback session with the PCP, patient, and psychiatrist. The control group receives treatment as usual (TAU) from their PCP, which may include supportive care, referrals, medications, or other standard therapies. The study is conducted in three private primary care group practices across two regions. Participants will complete baseline questionnaires and follow-up assessments at 3, 6, and 12 months to evaluate psychiatric symptoms, quality of life, and healthcare complexity. A subset of patients, PCPs, and psychiatrists will also participate in interviews to explore their experiences and the collaboration process. The study measures outcomes using standardized tools and monitors progress and safety over a one-year follow-up period, with a total expected participation of 30 individuals in this pilot phase.

Researchers are evaluating culturally adapted psychotherapy modules for treating complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) in refugees and asylum seekers in Switzerland and Germany. CPTSD is a severe condition linked to prolonged trauma, common in displaced populations, and affects quality of life and social integration. The study aims to assess the symptom reduction effects of the adapted Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation combined with Narrative Exposure Therapy (ESTAIR/NET). The treatment consists of 24 sessions organized into four modules: emotion regulation, negative self-concept, interpersonal relationships, and narrative exposure therapy. The emotion regulation module focuses on exercises for emotional awareness and regulation. The negative self-concept module addresses self-understanding and cognitive restructuring. The interpersonal relationships module works on relationship patterns and assertiveness. Narrative exposure therapy involves creating a chronological timeline of life events, discussing traumatic experiences in detail, and providing written narratives co-signed by patient and therapist. Participants will be refugees or asylum seekers diagnosed with CPTSD after an initial study phase and clinical evaluation. During the study, participants undergo psychotherapy sessions following the ESTAIR manual. Researchers will measure changes in CPTSD symptoms over eight months. The study includes assessments by therapists, symptom monitoring, and safety checks. Total participation covers consent, psychotherapy, and follow-up to evaluate the treatment's impact on CPTSD symptoms.