Evaluation of Novel Concentrated Interdisciplinary Group Rehabilitation for Patients With Chronic Illnesses: Protocol for a Nonrandomized Clinical Intervention Study

Abstract

Background An aging population with a growing burden of chronic complex illnesses will seriously challenge the public health care system. Consequently, novel and efficacious treatment approaches are highly warranted. Based on our experiences with concentrated treatment formats for other health challenges, we developed a highly concentrated interdisciplinary group rehabilitation approach for chronic illnesses. Objective We aim to explore the acceptability of the intervention and describe potential changes in functional impairment at follow-up. Methods The cornerstones of the intervention are as follows: (1) prepare the patient for change prior to treatment, (2) focus on health promoting microchoices instead of symptoms, and (3) expect the patient to integrate the changes in everyday living with limited hands-on follow-up. The intervention will be delivered to patients with highly diverse primary symptoms, namely patients with low back pain, post–COVID-19 symptoms, anxiety and depression, and type 2 diabetes. Results Recruitment started between August 2020 and January 2021 (according to the illness category). For initial 3-month results, recruitment is expected to be completed by the end of 2021. Conclusions If successful, this study may have a substantial impact on the treatment of low back pain, post–COVID-19 symptoms, anxiety and depression, and type 2 diabetes, which together constitute a major socioeconomic cost. Further, the study may widen the evidence base for the use of the concentrated treatment format in a diverse group of medical conditions. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/32216

Concentrated transdiagnostic and cross-disciplinary group treatment for patients with depression and with anxiety: a pilot study

“…This pilot study is part of the “Project Development of Smarter Health Solutions” (PUSH project), a collaboration between Haukeland University Hospital (Bergen, Norway) and Helse i Hardanger (HiH; Øystese, Norway). The overall aim, as well as the organization of the PUSH project, is described in a separate protocol paper [ 10 ]. Further, to ensure adherence and fidelity, all study-related procedures were operationalized in a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).…”

“…Our previous results have substantially increased our knowledge base on how care can be delivered to these groups of patients. Hence, we proceeded to evaluate this novel approach in other conditions, and have now developed a comprehensive transdiagnostic concentrated treatment protocol for a broad range of chronic health challenges (anxiety and depression, chronic low back pain, post-covid 19 symptoms, and type 2 diabetes; [ 10 ]). These conditions represent a huge burden on our society and our ability to deliver adequate health care, and treatment approaches that can be useful across this heterogeneity are highly warranted.…”

“…Furthermore, this provided participants with a relevant peer group when testing out novel approaches to handle their symptoms [ 6 , 7 ]. For further elaboration, see the protocol paper [ 10 ].…”

Update of the Potential Treatments for Psychiatric and Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in the Context of the Post-COVID-19 Condition: Still a Lot of Suffering and Many More Things to Learn

“…Familial, social, and professional consequences of sustainable cognitive impairment and psychiatric disorders are disastrous for the patients who are young professionals, and social support must be accessed [63]. There is a high risk of stigmatization and marginalization for these patients who became unable to carry out their daily tasks and work.…”

“…A rehabilitation team built a protocol for different kinds of chronic illnesses including patients with post-acute COVID-19 syndrome in a non-randomized clinical intervention study that is ongoing at the time of writing this article [63]. The main therapeutic axes of this protocol are: first, to prepare the patient for change prior to treatment; secondly, a focus on health promoting microchoices instead of symptoms; and third, to expect the patient to integrate the changes in everyday living with limited hands-on follow-up [63].…”