Effects of a Web-based Support Programme for Cardiac Arrest Survivors

Effects of a Web-based Support Programme for Cardiac Arrest Survivors: A Randomized Controlled Trial With Process Evaluation (The CARDIS Study)

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).

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 six 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.

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)