JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

An ageing population with a growing burden of chronic, complex illnesses will seriously challenge the public health care system. Consequently, novel and efficacious treatment approaches are highly warranted. Based on our experiences with concentrated treatment formats for other health challenges, we have developed a highly concentrated interdisciplinary group rehabilitation for chronic illnesses.

Objective:

To explore the acceptability of the intervention and describe potential changes in functional impairment at follow-up.

Methods:

The cornerstones of the intervention are a) prepare the patient for change prior to treatment, b) focus on health promoting micro-choices instead of symptoms, and c) expect the patient to integrate the changes in everyday living with limited hands-on follow-up. The intervention will be delivered to patients with highly diverse primary symptoms, namely patients with low-back pain, post-COVID-19 symptoms, anxiety and depression and diabetes type 2.

Results:

Recruitment started between August 2020 and January 2021 (according to illness category). For initial 3-month results, recruitment is expected to be completed by the end of 2021.

Conclusions:

If successful, this study may have a substantial impact on the treatment of these four chronic illnesses that together constitute a major socioeconomic cost. Further, the study may widen the evidence-base for the use of the concentrated treatment format in a diverse group of medical conditions.