Improving patient mobility after thoracic or abdominal surgery through a Culture Care program

Culture Care Program: a Mixed-methods Study Evaluating the Effect of an Innovative In-hospital Experience on Patient Mobility After Thoracic or Abdominal Surgery

Not applicable Interventional Haute Ecole ARC Sante · NCT06893848

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

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment204 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorHaute Ecole ARC Sante Academic / other
Locations1 site (Neuchâtel)
Trial IDNCT06893848 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients undergoing elective thoracic or abdominal surgery with a planned hospital stay of at least two days.

Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit include those undergoing outpatient or emergency surgeries, or those with severe mobility impairments prior to surgery.

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 performed: While the specific Culture Care approach may be novel, other studies have shown that early mobilization strategies can improve postoperative outcomes.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Neuchâtel

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Thoracic SurgeryAbdominal Surgery PatientsHospital MobilityMobility LimitationPhysical activityPostoperative recoveryAccelerometerEarly mobilization
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.