Self-directed mindfulness program to ease psychological distress after serious cardiorespiratory illness
Official title: 2/2 Self-directed mobile mindfulness intervention to improve psychological distress symptoms among cardiorespiratory failure survivors: the Lift RCT
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-11037658 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A self-guided mindfulness mobile program called Lift aims to reduce depression, anxiety, and PTSD in adults who recently survived serious cardiorespiratory illness such as ARDS.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $619,287 |
| NIH project number | 1U24AT013110-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11037658 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults recently hospitalized for cardiorespiratory conditions (e.g., ARDS, sepsis, COVID pneumonia, congestive heart failure) who have persistent distress symptoms and access to a smartphone.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without access to a smartphone or who do not experience psychological distress related to their illness may derive less or no benefit.
What this research studies
This project builds on patient-centered development of Lift, a fully automated mindfulness training delivered by a mobile app. It will test optimized versions of Lift in adults recently hospitalized for severe cardiorespiratory conditions, focusing on reducing psychological distress and improving quality of life. The study uses a multicenter design to compare app-based vs. therapist-assisted introduction, different dose levels, and approaches to in-the-moment symptom management, aiming to identify the most effective, scalable approach. Participants will engage with the program remotely and provide feedback on usability and impact on mood, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, Lift could offer a scalable, accessible strategy to lessen psychological distress for ARDS and related conditions, potentially improving long-term recovery and well-being.
How similar studies have gone: Prior pilots showed reductions in depression and improvements in quality of life with Lift, particularly with a high-dose, app-only version.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Morris, Cynthia D — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Morris, Cynthia D
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.