Improving patient mobility after thoracic or abdominal surgery through a Culture Care program
Official title: Culture Care Program: a Mixed-methods Study Evaluating the Effect of an Innovative In-hospital Experience on Patient Mobility After Thoracic or Abdominal Surgery
Run by Haute Ecole ARC Sante · NCT06893848 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests if a special program that includes art and culture can help patients move better and recover faster after thoracic or abdominal surgery.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 204 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Haute Ecole ARC Sante Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Neuchâtel) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 10, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 2027 |
| Study ends | December 2027 |
| Registry record updated | June 24, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06893848 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include patients undergoing elective thoracic or abdominal surgery with a planned hospital stay of at least two days.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who may not benefit include those undergoing outpatient or emergency surgeries, or those with severe mobility impairments prior to surgery.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study investigates the impact of the Culture Care program on enhancing patient mobility following thoracic or abdominal surgery. It aims to address the negative effects of sedentary behavior during the postoperative phase, which can lead to complications and longer hospital stays. By creating an engaging hospital environment that incorporates art and culture, the program seeks to stimulate early mobilization and increase physical activity among patients. The study will compare mobility levels in patients participating in the Culture Care program against a control group from before the program's implementation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve postoperative recovery and reduce complications for patients undergoing thoracic or abdominal surgery.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific Culture Care approach may be novel, other studies have shown that early mobilization strategies can improve postoperative outcomes.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Admission to Surgical Units in the Surgical Department of the Hôpital de Neuchâtel implementing the Culture Care program. * Elective thoracic or abdominal surgery with an expected hospital stay of at least 2 days (i.e. discharge on postoperative day 3). * Neurocognitive and physical ability to complete questionnaires and individual participation in the Culture Care program. * Full capacity of discernment and signed informed consent to participate in the study. Exclusion Criteria: * Outpatient surgery. * Emergency surgery. * Mobility severely impaired prior to surgery: patients with 1 or 2 lower-limb amputations, patients with wheelchair mobility only, neurodegenerative diseases. * Bed restiction between POD 1 and POD 5 for medical reasons, i.e. surgery, post-operative complications or other pre-existing cardiorespiratory, neurological or orthopedic reasons. * Transfer to ICU * Only during the Culture Care phase, an unplanned transfer to another unit that does not have the Culture Care program (e.g. Medicine units). * Technical problem with the accelerometer (e.g. disfunctioning battery). * Allergic reaction to any dressing used to attach the accelerometer. * End-of-life patients.
Where it's running
-
Hôpital de Neuchâtel
Neuchâtel, Switzerland Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jonathan Dugernier, PhD
- Email: jonathan.dugernier@he-arc.ch
- Phone: 0783057932
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.