| 1. |
- Grönqvist, Helena, 1975-, et al.
(författare)
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Fifteen Challenges in Establishing a Multidisciplinary Research Program on eHealth Research in a University Setting : A Case Study
- 2017
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Ingår i: Journal of Medical Internet Research. - : JMIR Publications Inc.. - 1438-8871. ; 19:5
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND:U-CARE is a multidisciplinary eHealth research program that involves the disciplines of caring science, clinical psychology, health economics, information systems, and medical science. It was set up from scratch in a university setting in 2010, funded by a governmental initiative. While establishing the research program, many challenges were faced. Systematic documentation of experiences from establishing new research environments is scarce.OBJECTIVE:The aim of this paper was to describe the challenges of establishing a publicly funded multidisciplinary eHealth research environment.METHODS:Researchers involved in developing the research program U-CARE identified challenges in the formal documentation and by reflecting on their experience of developing the program. The authors discussed the content and organization of challenges into themes until consensus was reached.RESULTS:The authors identified 15 major challenges, some general to establishing a new research environment and some specific for multidisciplinary eHealth programs. The challenges were organized into 6 themes: Organization, Communication, Implementation, Legislation, Software development, and Multidisciplinarity.CONCLUSIONS:Several challenges were faced during the development of the program and several accomplishments were made. By sharing our experience, we hope to help other research groups embarking on a similar journey to be prepared for some of the challenges they are likely to face on their way.
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| 2. |
- Humphries, Sophia, et al.
(författare)
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Association between β-blocker dose and quality of life after myocardial infarction : a real-world Swedish register-linked study
- 2022
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Ingår i: European Heart Journal. - : Oxford University Press. - 2048-8726 .- 2048-8734. ; 11:6, s. 491-500
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background β-blockers are routinely administered to patients following myocardial infarction (MI), yet their potential effect on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is not entirely understood. We investigated the relationship between two different doses of β-blockers with HRQoL following MI.Methods and results This nationwide observational study used Swedish national registries to collate sociodemographic, clinical, medication, and HRQoL {the latter operationalized using EuroQol [European Quality of Life Five Dimensions Questionnaire (EQ-5D)]}. Estimates at 6–10 weeks and 12–14 months post-MI follow-up from pooled linear and logistic models were calculated after multiple imputation. We identified 35 612 patients with first-time MI, discharged with β-blockers, and enrolled in cardiac rehabilitation between 2006 and 2015. Upon discharge, patients were either dispensed <50% [24 082 (67.6%)] or ≥50% [11 530 (32.4%)] of the target dosage, as defined in previous trials. After adjusting for pre-defined covariates, neither the EQ-5D Index nor the Emotional Distress items were statistically different between groups. The EQ-VAS score was significantly lower in patients treated with ≥50% target β-blocker dose than those treated with <50% of the target dose [−0.87 [−1.23, −0.46], P < .001]. Results were similar at the 12-month follow-up and across sub-groups separated by sex and age.Conclusion No difference in HRQoL was found among patients taking <50% vs. ≥50% of the target β-blocker dose, except for the EQ-VAS in which higher scores were reported in those taking a lower dose. The clinical meaningfulness of this statistical significance is likely low.
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| 3. |
- Humphries, Sophia, et al.
(författare)
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Designing a Web-Based Psychological Intervention for Patients With Myocardial Infarction With Nonobstructive Coronary Arteries : User-Centered Design Approach
- 2020
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Ingår i: Journal of Medical Internet Research. - : JMIR Publications Inc.. - 1438-8871. ; 22:9
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: The involvement of patient research partners (PRPs) in research aims to safeguard the needs of patient groups and produce new interventions that are developed based on patient input. Myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA), unlike acute myocardial infarction (MI) with obstructive coronary arteries, is presented with no significant obstructive coronary artery disease. Patients with this diagnosis are a subset of those diagnosed with traditional MI and often need more psychological support, something that is presently not established in the current treatment scheme in Swedish health care or elsewhere, to our knowledge. An internet-delivered intervention might offer patients with MINOCA the opportunity to access a psychological treatment that is tailored to their specific needs after MINOCA and could therefore supplement the existing medical care in an easily accessible format.OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to describe the development of a therapist-guided, internet-delivered psychological intervention designed specifically for patients with MINOCA.METHODS: The study used a participatory design that involved 7 PRPs diagnosed with MINOCA who collaborated with a team consisting of researchers, cardiologists, and psychologists. Intervention content was developed iteratively and presented to the PRPs across several prototypes, each continually adjusted and redesigned according to the feedback received. The intervention and experience of it were discussed by PRPs in a final meeting and then presented to a panel of 2 clinical psychologists and a cardiologist for further input.RESULTS: The outcome of the collaboration between PRPs and the research group produced a web-based psychological 9-step program focusing on stress, worry, and valued action. The input from PRPs contributed substantially to the therapy content, homework tasks, interactive activities, multimedia, and design presentation.CONCLUSIONS: Working with PRPs to develop an intervention for people with MINOCA produced a web-based intervention that can be further evaluated with the goal of offering a new psychological treatment option to a patient group currently without one. Direct contribution from PRPs enabled us to obtain relevant, insightful, and valuable feedback that was put towards the overall design and content of the intervention.
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| 4. |
- Humphries, Sophia, et al.
(författare)
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Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Patients Reporting Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression After Myocardial Infarction : U-CARE Heart Randomized Controlled Trial Twelve-Month Follow-up
- 2021
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Ingår i: Journal of Medical Internet Research. - : JMIR Publications. - 1438-8871. ; 23:5
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: The U-CARE Heart trial was one of the first randomized controlled trials to evaluate the effect of internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy on self-reported symptoms of anxiety or depression for patients with a recent myocardial infarction. While the effects of internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy on Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scores at 14 weeks postbaseline were not significant, in this study, we investigated possible long-term effects of treatment.Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy on self-reported symptoms of anxiety and depression in patients 12 months after a myocardial infarction and to explore subsequent occurrences of cardiovascular disease events.Methods: Shortly after acute myocardial infarction, 239 patients (33% female, mean age 59.6 years) reporting mild-to-moderate symptoms of anxiety or depression were randomized to 14 weeks of therapist-guided internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (n=117) or treatment as usual (n=122). Data from national registries were used to explore group differences in clinical outcomes such as cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular-related mortality for a follow-up period of up to 5 years: group differences in HADS total score 1 year post-myocardial infarction, the primary outcome, was analyzed using multiple linear regression. Secondary outcomes, such as HADS anxiety and depression subscales and the Cardiac Anxiety Questionnaire total score (CAQ), which measures heart-focused anxiety, were analyzed in the same way. Multiple imputation was used to account for missing data, and a pooled treatment effect was estimated. Adjusted Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for data pertaining to registry outcomes.Results: Both groups reported lower HADS total scores 1 year after myocardial infarction than those at baseline. HADS total scores were not significantly different between the treatment and control groups 1 year after myocardial infarction (beta=-1.14, 95% CI -2.73 to 0.45, P=.16). CAQ was the only measure improved significantly by internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy when compared with treatment as usual ( beta=-2.58, 95% CI -4.75 to -0.42, P=.02) before adjusting for multiple comparisons. The composite outcome of nonfatal cardiovascular events and cardiovascular-related mortality did not differ between groups but was numerically higher in the internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy group, who were at slightly greater risk (HR 1.8, 95% CI 0.96 to 3.4, P=.07). Adjusting for previous myocardial infarction and diabetes attenuated this estimate (HR 1.5, 95% CI 0.8 to 2.8, P=.25).Conclusions: Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy was not superior in reducing self-reported symptoms of depression or anxiety compared to treatment as usual at the 1-year follow-up after myocardial infarction. A reduction in cardiac-related anxiety was observed but was not significant after adjusting for multiple comparisons. There was no difference in risk of cardiovascular events between the treatment groups. Low treatment adherence, which might have affected treatment engagement and outcomes, should be considered when interpreting these results.
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| 5. |
- Humphries, Sophia, et al.
(författare)
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Randomized evaluation of routine beta-blocker therapy after myocardial infarction quality of life (RQoL) : design and rationale of a multicentre, prospective, randomized, open, blinded endpoint study
- 2023
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Ingår i: European Heart Journal Open. - : Oxford University Press. - 2752-4191. ; 3:3
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- AimsMost cases of acute myocardial infarction (MI) in Sweden are treated with long-term β-blocker therapy as secondary prevention. Case studies and patient reports have indicated negative effects of β-blockers including symptoms of depression, fatigue, sexual dysfunction, and general low mood, all related to reduced quality of life (QoL). To date, no recent large-scale, randomized trial has explored the effects of β-blockers on these factors.Methods and resultsThe ongoing Randomized Evaluation of Decreased Usage of beta-bloCkErs after myocardial infarction (REDUCE): quality of life (RQoL) study is a multicentre, prospective, randomized pre-specified substudy aiming to evaluate the effects of β-blockers on self-reported measures of QoL. Following randomized allocation to long-term β-blocker or no β-blocker treatment, patients complete a total of six baseline measures pertaining to QoL, sexual functioning, and perceived side effects. Data collection is optionally carried out online through a unique and secure portal and repeated again at two follow-up time points. Recruitment began in July 2018. Data from the first 100 patients showed that at the first follow-up, 93% had completed the questionnaires, which decreased to 81% at the second follow-up. The method of digital data collection was utilized by over half of the patients recruited so far.ConclusionData from the first 100 patients indicate success in terms of study design and recruitment. The RQoL substudy investigates the effects of β-blockers on self-reported measures of QoL in MI patients and will potentially contribute to the limited knowledge of QoL-related side effects reported in conjunction with β-blocker use.Clinical trial registrationEudra CT number, 2017-002336-17; Clinical trial.gov identifier, NCT03278509
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| 6. |
- Humphries, Sophia
(författare)
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Taking mind matters to heart : E-health methods to assess and treat psychological distress associated with myocardial infarction and Takotsubo syndrome
- 2022
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- This thesis comprises five studies investigating psychological distress in patients with myocardial infarction (MI) and Takotsubo syndrome (TS), with a focus on using e-health methods for data collection and delivery of psychological interventions. The aim of study 1 was to explore the long-term (12 month) effect of an internet-delivered intervention for MI patients experiencing self-reported symptoms of anxiety or depression compared to a control group without access to the treatment intervention. Using data from several Swedish national registers we also investigated whether the intervention had any effect on risk for adverse cardiovascular (CV) events, including recurrent MI and CV-related mortality. Effect of treatment was not significant between groups on lowering symptoms of anxiety or depression nor for risk of CV events or CV-related mortality. Low treatment adherence is discussed as a probable reason for these findings. Study 2 aimed to build from the lessons learned in study 1, as well as the existing literature and continuous input and collaboration with patient research partners (PRPs) to develop an internet intervention designed for patients experiencing high levels of anxiety or stress following MI with non-obstructed coronary arteries (MINOCA) or TS. We present the processes involved during the development and creation of this novel internet intervention. Following on from this, in Study 3 we tested the feasibility of this intervention using pre-specified progression criteria that was aimed to assess whether the intervention and study protocol were feasible in a randomised controlled trial (RCT). We screened patients for eligibility and offered participation in the study to those who met the pre-defined inclusion criteria. We collected both psychometric and qualitative data and assessed progression criteria that covered: recruitment, time and resources, proportion of participants completing the intervention and, participant experiences of the intervention. Study 4 used data from the Swedish national registers to estimate the association of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) with high vs low dose of β-blocker, prescribed after MI. The aim was to investigate, in advance of an ongoing register-based RCT, whether there is any association of β-blocker dose on patient reported HRQoL. Since there are many reasons for a patient to receive a high or low dose respectively, controlling for possible confounding was crucial. We used the European Quality of Life Five Dimensions questionnaire (EQ-5D) to assess HRQoL using data from over 35000 unique, first-time MI patients in Sweden.Study 5 presents the trial design, rationale and baseline data from the first 100 patients recruited into a registry-based RCT sub-study focussed on investigating several psychological-related outcomes in patients randomised to receive β-blocker treatment or no treatment. The feasibility, strengths and challenges of using digitalised in-hospital data collection techniques are also evaluated.
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| 7. |
- Leissner, Philip, et al.
(författare)
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Association of anxiety and recurrent cardiovascular events : investigating different aspects of anxiety
- 2024
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Ingår i: European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1474-5151 .- 1873-1953.
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Aims While elevated levels of anxiety are associated with worse prognosis of cardiovascular disease (CVD), this association may vary between different aspects of anxiety. The aim of this study was to analyse self-reported behavioural, physiological, affective, and cognitive aspects of anxiety and their relation to the risk of recurrent CV events.Methods and results This prospective cohort study utilized data from the U-CARE Heart trial. Participants (N = 935, post myocardial infarction) answered the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS: Anxiety subscale) and the Cardiac Anxiety Questionnaire (CAQ: Fear, Avoidance & Attention subscales). HADS Anxiety reflected physiological aspects, CAQ Fear reflected cognitive and affective aspects, CAQ Avoidance reflected behavioural aspects, and CAQ Attention reflected cognitive aspects of anxiety. Cox regression was used to estimate the risk between anxiety and recurrent major adverse cardiac event (MACE). During the follow-up period (mean 2.9 years), 124 individuals (13%) experienced a specified MACE endpoint. HADS Anxiety and CAQ Total were both associated with increased risk of MACE [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.52, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.15-2.02 and HR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.04-1.64, respectively]. Among the CAQ subscales, there was support for an association between Avoidance and risk of MACE (HR = 1.37, 95% CI 1.15-1.64), but not for Attention and Fear.Conclusion The results support that anxiety is associated with an increased risk of recurrent MACE in post-myocardial infarction patients. The association between anxiety and risk was strong for the aspects of anxiety relating to behaviour and physiology, while the support for an association with cognitive and affective aspects was lacking.
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| 8. |
- Leissner, Philip, et al.
(författare)
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The factor structure of the cardiac anxiety questionnaire, and validation in a post-MI population
- 2022
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Ingår i: BMC Medical Research Methodology. - : BioMed Central (BMC). - 1471-2288. ; 22
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: CVD-patients with higher levels of cardiac anxiety suffer psychologically, as well as being at increased risk for cardiac morbidity and mortality. Therefore it is important to be able to assess CA in a clinical setting. It is currently measured with the Cardiac Anxiety Questionnaire, which has conflicting findings regarding its factor structure, and it has not been validated in a Swedish population. This study aimed to examine the factor structure of CAQ and its psychometric properties in a Swedish CVD-population.Methods: Nine hundred thirty patients post-MI were recruited at different Swedish hospitals and completed the CAQ, along with several other questionnaires. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were conducted to explore factor structure and to inspect various factor solutions from previous research. Standard psychometric tests were performed for the CAQ to test its validity and reliability.Results: The exploratory analysis found a model with the factors Fear/Worry, Avoidance and Attention. The confirmatory factor analysis indicated that a 3-factor solution best fitted the data, but with certain items removed. Additionally, psychometric properties turned out acceptable in a Swedish post-MI population.Conclusions: We conclude that the original 3-factor structure of the CAQ is valid, but that the questionnaire could be revised in regard to some items. A shorter 10-items version could also be considered. We also confirm that the CAQ is a valid instrument to measure CA in a Swedish MI-population.
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| 9. |
- Liljeroos, Thea, et al.
(författare)
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Self-perceived cognitive status and cognitive challenges associated with cardiac rehabilitation management : experiences of elderly myocardial infarction patients.
- 2022
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Ingår i: Disability and Rehabilitation. - : Taylor & Francis Group. - 0963-8288 .- 1464-5165. ; 44:15, s. 3834-3842
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- PURPOSE: The study aimed to explore the self-perceived cognitive status and cognitive challenges associated with lifestyle changes in cardiac rehabilitation among elderly myocardial infarction (MI) patients (≥65 years). Further, the study explored coping strategies developed to manage these challenges in the everyday life.METHODS: Nine patients were included in the study. Data were collected by telephone or in person, between 6 and 12 weeks post MI, using semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed inductively, using thematic analysis.RESULTS: Four major themes were identified, highlighting elderly MI patients' experiences of their cognitive status and cardiac rehabilitation management: (1) A change in cognition over time, (2) Situating the MI within a challenging and changing life context, (3) Navigating the hurdles of cardiac rehabilitation, and (4) Being seen within the healthcare system.CONCLUSION: Elderly MI patients are situated in a complex life context, dealing with a transition to retirement, multiple health issues and age-related cognitive decline. In this context, the MI experience is marginalised, and cognitive decline normalized. By adopting individually tailored interventions and improving healthcare provider continuity and accessibility, cognitive challenges associated with cardiac rehabilitation could be easier to overcome.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONSelf-perceived cognitive impairment, in particular regarding memory, seems fairly common among elderly MI patients and should likely be identified prior to hospital discharge in order to optimize the prospects of self-care.There seems to exist an unmet need to implement the practice of individually adapted education and information further, in accordance with current recommendations for elderly cardiac patients.The overall health and cognitive status, social network and the objective living conditions (e.g., distance from service and housing) should be taken into account when planning the patient's cardiac rehabilitation management.Healthcare providers likely need to strengthen the continuity of care and increase its accessibility for elderly MI patients, in particular following the transfer from hospital care to local health centres.
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| 10. |
- Lissåker, Claudia, et al.
(författare)
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Persistent emotional distress after a first-time myocardial infarction and its assocation to late cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular mortality
- 2019
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Ingår i: European Journal of Preventive Cardiology. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 2047-4873 .- 2047-4881. ; 26:14, s. 1510-1518
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND:Patients with symptoms of depression and/or anxiety - emotional distress - after a myocardial infarction (MI) have been shown to have worse prognosis and increased healthcare costs. However, whether specific subgroups of patients with emotional distress are more vulnerable is less well established. The purpose of this study was to identify the association between different patterns of emotional distress over time with late cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular mortality among first-MI patients aged <75 years in Sweden.METHODS:We utilized data on 57,602 consecutive patients with a first-time MI from the national SWEDEHEART registers. Emotional distress was assessed using the anxiety/depression dimension of the European Quality of Life Five Dimensions questionnaire two and 12 months after the MI, combined into persistent (emotional distress at both time-points), remittent (emotional distress at the first follow-up only), new (emotional distress at the second-follow up only) or no distress. Data on cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular mortality were obtained until the study end-time. We used multiple imputation to create complete datasets and adjusted Cox proportional hazards models to estimate hazard ratios.RESULTS:Patients with persistent emotional distress were more likely to die from cardiovascular (hazard ratio: 1.46, 95% confidence interval: 1.16, 1.84) and non-cardiovascular causes (hazard ratio: 1.54, 95% confidence interval: 1.30, 1.82) than those with no distress. Those with remittent emotional distress were not statistically significantly more likely to die from any cause than those without emotional distress.DISCUSSION:Among patients who survive 12 months, persistent, but not remittent, emotional distress was associated with increased cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular mortality. This indicates a need to identify subgroups of individuals with emotional distress who may benefit from further assessment and specific treatment.
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