Kick-off for the eCardiacRehab project
In early December, the kick-off event for the NFR-funded eCardiacRehab project took place. Healthcare professionals from various departments and sectors, heart patients and their families, as well as project partners, were invited to a full-day seminar at Bikuben, Haukeland University Hospital.
eCardiacRehab is a digital rehabilitation program for patients who have undergone coronary artery angioplasty. The program aims to empower patients to take control of their health and make necessary lifestyle changes to prevent future cardiac events. To date, the project has received innovation and research funding from Helse Vest. Now, the Research Council of Norway (NFR) has awarded eCardiacRehab 16 million NOK for digital cardiac rehabilitation. The event on December 4th marked the official start of the NFR-funded research project.
The day featured engaging and relevant presentations, guided by Professor Jan Schjøtt. The first speaker was Assistant Medical Director at Helse Vest, Ola Jøsendal, who spoke on the topic Innovation in Healthcare—Priorities in Helse Vest. Next came Helse Bergen’s Deputy CEO, Randi-Luise Møgster, who addressed Digital Healthcare Services in a Collaborative Perspective. She stressed the importance of not just focusing on how changes should be introduced, but also establishing a why—to better facilitate a transformation journey.
- We must remember the brain! It’s not interested in change, so we need to introduce new ways of thinking, Møgster remarked.
*Bilde*
Deputy CEO of Helse Bergen, Randi-Luise Møgster, addressed digital healthcare services from a collaborative perspective.
Project leader and Professor Tone M. Norekvål provided an update on the project’s progress before showcasing parts of the eCardiacRehab program, which received positive feedback from the audience.
Professor Eva Gerdts challenged the misconception that heart disease primarily affects men, highlighting that 35% of first-time heart attacks in 2021 occurred in women.
Professor Christian Moltu addressed the important topic Mental Health in Acute Critical Illness, followed by Specialist Physiotherapist Vibeke Løckra's presentation on Exercise as Medicine and Associate Professor Leonora Bergsjø's presentation on Digital Ethics. Bergsjø invited the audience to a thought experiment, providing a quick overview of the ethical considerations necessary in the digital realm.
- Mental health challenges, emotional instability, and feeling overwhelmed are normal crisis responses to acute critical illness," said Professor Moltu.
Postdoctoral Fellow and Project Coordinator Trond R. Pettersen spoke about Medication Adherence, emphasizing the importance of informing patients about their medications and potential side effects. He said:
- Medications don’t work in patients who don’t take them!
Merete Landaas, a member of the eCardiacRehab user group, delivered a presentation on the User Perspective in eCardiacRehab, discussing the importance of user involvement throughout the project. She praised the eCardiacRehab team for their commitment to engaging users early, keeping them informed, and ensuring they could take pride in the final results.
- We feel seen and heard, and our opinions matter, Landaas emphasized.
General Practitioner and Service Manager Jan Ove Tryti discussed the Primary Care Perspective on Digital Health Programs., while Associate Professor Janet Vroomen from the University of Amsterdam concluded the day with a presentation on the Cost-effectiveness of Digital Health Programs.