Digital work ability and functional capacity pathway for long-term and chronically symptomatic patients – DigiPimo
Objectives
- Prolonged symptoms related to indoor air, as well as prolonged fatigue and burnout, are examples of conditions where the symptoms can be difficult and have an impact on work and free time.
- Currently, there are no studied methods in use in the Finnish health care system that are targeted at the rehabilitation of people suffering from chronic, somatic symptoms. In addition, Finland has significant regional differences in access to rehabilitation services.
- The aim of this project is to investigate whether remote rehabilitation based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), together with conventional treatment, is effective in the rehabilitation of difficult somatic symptoms related to indoor air quality or prolonged fatigue and burnout. ACT-based online programmes have produced promising results in the treatment of chronic pain in Finland and abroad. Therefore, we want to study the effectiveness of the ACT-based remote rehabilitation model in the rehabilitation of other difficult somatic symptoms as well. We will study the factors that influence the change during rehabilitation and how people undergoing rehabilitation themselves experience remote rehabilitation.
Data and methods
The study is conducted as a randomized, controlled study. Before the randomization, a physician will interview all individuals and assesses their suitability for the study. After this, individuals are randomized into two groups (rehabilitation and control group).
Remote rehabilitation includes
- two remote appointments with a psychologist where the person’s individual situation is studied and the goals of rehabilitation are discussed and
- a 10-week online programme specifically designed for rehabilitation from long and difficult somatic symptoms.
All participants of the study will take a self-assessment survey and be provided access to information material. Remote rehabilitation and the related online programme are provided in Finnish.
The project is carried out in co-operation with the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (FIOH) and the Department of Psychology of the University of Jyväskylä. The project utilizes the online rehabilitation programme published by the IT psychiatry division of the Helsinki University Hospital. The study’s interviews and analyses of data are carried out in co-operation between FIOH and the University of Jyväskylä.
Results and impact
Preliminary results of the project can be reported at the earliest when the recruitment has been completed at the beginning of 2022.
The protocol publication of the project will be updated on these pages once it has been approved in a scientific peer review process.
Our experts
Sanna Selinheimo
project manager
Funding
Kela