Effects of an Web-based Support Programme for Cardiac Arrest Survivors
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- The protocol lists: Digital Support Programme.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Cardiac Arrest (CA). Basic parameters: from 18 years · All.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- Sweden
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
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Official title
Effects of a Web-based Support Programme for Cardiac Arrest Survivors: A Randomized Controlled Trial With Process Evaluation (The CARDIS Study)
Overview
The overall goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a web-based support programme can improve wellbeing in cardiac arrest survivors by helping them manage emotional, cognitive, and physical challenges. The study also explores how the programme is used and experienced in practice. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Can access to a web-based support programme improve overall wellbeing in cardiac arrest survivors? * Can it also enhance quality of life, cognitive function, life satisfaction, and sleep, while reducing anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, and fatigue? Researchers will compare cardiac arrest survivors who receive a web-based support programme in addition to standard care with those who receive standard care alone, to see if the programme improves wellbeing and other health outcomes. After the study, the control group will also gain access to the programme. Participants will: * Be asked to complete online questionnaires at three time points: at the start of the study, after 3 months, and after 6 months. * Be encouraged to use a web-based support programme for 3 months, with unlimited access, at their own pace and according to their individual needs (intervention group only).
Detailed description
Cardiac arrest is a serious public health issue, affecting around 13,000 people annually in Sweden. Survivors often face long-term physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges, including anxiety, depression, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and post-traumatic stress. These difficulties can significantly impact daily life, and many survivors struggle to return to work or previous routines.
Although guidelines recommend follow-up within 1-3 months after hospital discharge, support is often fragmented and varies across regions. Survivors frequently report limited access to reliable information and emotional support. Research has shown that structured education and rehabilitation are essential for both survivors and their families, yet current care models rarely address these needs in a comprehensive way.
To help fill this gap, a web-based support programme was co-created in 2024-2025 by researchers, healthcare professionals, cardiac arrest survivors, and patient organizations. The programme includes educational modules, patient and family stories, videos, practical exercises, and tools for self-management and personal recovery planning. It also features a moderated chat forum for peer support. A feasibility study showed that the programme was easy to use and perceived as relevant and helpful.
The study begins with a pilot phase (n=10) to test study procedures, followed by a randomized controlled trial (RCT) with 120 participants across eight Swedish regions. Participants are recruited during routine follow-up visit one month after discharge. All participants receive standard care. Those randomized to the intervention group gain access to the digital support programme for 12 weeks. The control group receives standard care and gains access to the programme after study completion.
Consent and data collection are handled digitally. Participants are asked to complete online surveys at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. These surveys cover wellbeing, quality of life, sleep, fatigue, emotional health, and cognitive function. The study also collects usage data from the programme to understand how participants engage with the content. No physical tests or extra clinic visits are required.
The study aims to generate new knowledge about how digital tools can support recovery after cardiac arrest, improve wellbeing, and reduce healthcare burden by offering accessible, person-centered rehabilitation.
Interventions
- Behavioral Digital Support Programme
The intervention consists of a web-based support programme designed for individuals recovering from cardiac arrest. Participants in the intervention group receive access to the programme for 12 weeks. The programme includes educational modules, patient and family stories, videos, practical exercises (e.g., breathing techniques, fatigue management), tools for personal recovery planning, and a moderated chat forum for peer support. Participants can access the content at their own pace and accordin
Primary outcome measures
- Change from Baseline in Overall Wellbeing at 3 months. [Time frame: From baseline to 3 months after enrollment.]
Secondary outcome measures (8)
- Change from Baseline in Quality of Life at 3 and 6 months. [Time frame: From baseline to 3 and 6 months after enrollment.]
- Change from baseline in Life Satisfaction at 3 and 6 months. [Time frame: From baseline to 3 and 6 months after enrollment.]
- Change from baseline in Anxiety at 3 and 6 months. [Time frame: From baseline to 3 and 6 months after enrollment.]
- Change from baseline in Depression at 3 and 6 months. [Time frame: From baseline to 3 and 6 months after enrollment.]
- Change from baseline in Post-Traumatic Stress at 3 and 6 months. [Time frame: From baseline to 3 and 6 months after enrollment.]
- Change from baseline in Fatigue at 3 and 6 months. [Time frame: From baseline to 3 and 6 months after enrollment.]
- Change from baseline in Sleep at 3 and 6 months. [Time frame: From baseline to 3 and 6 months after enrollment.]
- Change from baseline in Cognitive Function at 3 and 6 months. [Time frame: From baseline to 3 months after enrollment.]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
- Age 18 years or older
- Survival of a cardiac arrest 1 to 3 months prior to enrollment
- Access to a mobile phone, tablet, or computer with internet connection
Exclusion criteria
- Insufficient language or cognitive ability to engage with a digital intervention and complete questionnaires in Swedish
- Participation in another study involving the collection of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs)
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: No
Study design
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Model
- Parallel assignment
- Masking
- Single blind
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
Study locations
Sweden · 3 centers
- Dept of Cardiology — Linköping
- Dept of Cardiology — Motala
- Dept of Cardiology — Norrköping
Publications
- Waldemar A, Israelsson J, Heimburg K, Blennow Nordstrom E, Nordberg P, Bremer A, Arestedt K, Thylen I. CARDIS (Cardiac ARrest DIgital Support): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial of a web-based support intervention for cardiac arrest survivors. Resusc Plus. 2026 Jan 18;28:101235. doi: 10.1016/j.resplu.2026.101235. eCollection 2026 Mar. PMID 41674709
Identifiers
NCT: NCT07240714 · 2025-06113-01