Modern Technology For Learning and Psychosocial Support In Patients With Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

This study evaluates the effects of an eHealth tool and psychosocial support on anxiety, depression and health-related quality of life in patients undergoing surgical treatment for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Participants in the intervention group will receive access to the eHealth tool and structured follow-up with a contact nurse, the control group will receive standard of care.

Abdominal aortic anuerysm (AAA) is associated with a decreased health-related quality of life (HRQoL) both at diagnosis and during surgical treatment, although recent studies report somewhat contradictory results. In qualitative research, it has been shown that the health care system fails to meet the patients' information need, as well as their need for psychosocial support during the care process. The aim of this study is therefore to evaluate the effects of an intervention comprising an eHealth tool with individualized information in combination with structured follow-up with a contact nurse on anxiety, depression and HRQoL in patients undergoing surgical treatment for AAA. Patients who are planned for elective surgical treatment, fulfil the inclusion criteria and none of the exclusion criteria will fill out questionnaires. The control group will receive information and follow-up per institution's standard of care. The intervention group will be given access to the eHealth tool, containing individualized information about the condition, surgical procedure and self-care. They will also receive structured follow-up by a contact nurse at discharge, 3 and 12 months postoperatively.

A validated self-assessment scale that measures symptoms of anxiety and depression in a non-psychiatric population.

Inclusion Criteria: Ability to speak and understand Swedish Planned for elective surgical repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm Exclusion Criteria: Severe visual impairment or blindness Severe hearing impairment or deafness Diagnosed dementia Medical condition with a suspected life expectancy of < 1 year.

Nilsson O, Stenman M, Letterstal A, Hultgren R. A randomized clinical trial of an eHealth intervention on anxiety in patients undergoing abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery. Br J Surg. 2021 Aug 19;108(8):917-924. doi: 10.1093/bjs/znab151.