Clinical Research Directory

Advanced Symptom Palliation Through Integrated Relief Engagement

Beacon is a digital platform that processes objective and subjective aggregated data provided by patients. Objective data is provided by standard wearables, while subjective data is provided by patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), comprising written and vocal patient reporting. The ASPIRE.AI study is a prospective study evaluating the feasibility of clinicians' use of aggregated data that was provided by patients and analyzed through "Beacon", and its influence on advanced cancer patients' palliative symptoms management. Approximately 40 consecutive eligible ambulatory advanced cancer patients first attending the palliative unit in the Davidoff Center will be enrolled. The trial will continue for \~1 year, with each patient participating in this trial for a total of about 12 weeks. All participants will receive the intervention. The intervention comprises the palliative standard of care treatment along with the usage of the Beacon digital platform, which enables comprehensive data collection and aggregation regarding the patient's biopsychosocial status, and thus, the patient's symptom burden. Data collected and aggregated through Beacon includes Beacon data provided by the patients via wearables (smartwatch/sensors), smartphones, and written and recorded PROMs. Researchers will then evaluate physician engagement with the platform, Influence on treatment, and the physician user experience rating as well as patients' adherence, satisfaction with Beacon usage, and changes in patients' symptom burden and quality of life.

The Effect of Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercise on Symptom Severity, Sleep Quality and Anxiety in CABG Patients.

Coronary artery bypass surgery (CABC) is a commonly performed surgical procedure for the treatment of blockages in the heart vessels. This surgical intervention aims to improve the blood circulation of the patients' heart muscle. However, after CABC, patients may experience symptoms arising from the effect of the operation. These symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, sleep problems and a general feeling of restlessness. These symptoms occur as a result of the operation and can limit patients' daily activities, negatively affect their quality of life, and make the rehabilitation process difficult. Diaphragmatic breathing exercise can be an effective strategy for managing symptoms after CABC. This exercise involves deep and controlled breathing and aims to strengthen respiratory muscles, increase lung capacity and improve respiratory efficiency. Diaphragmatic breathing exercise helps breathing occur more efficiently by reducing the movement of the chest wall and can reduce patients' breathing difficulties. Diaphragmatic breathing exercise provides relaxation in the body by calming the sympathetic nervous system and can reduce stress during the sleep process. In this way, patients can experience a deeper and more restful sleep and feel more energetic when they wake up. At the same time, diaphragmatic breathing exercise improves mental state and reduces the effects of stress by providing focus and mental relaxation. This thesis study aims to investigate the effect of diaphragmatic breathing exercise applied to patients undergoing CABC on symptom severity, sleep quality and anxiety. The importance of this study is that it has great potential for managing symptoms after CABC and improving patients' quality of life. Diaphragmatic breathing exercise is expected to be effective in reducing symptoms after CABC, allowing patients to improve their respiratory functions and general health status. Additionally, investigating the effects of this exercise on patients' sleep quality and anxiety may help nurses adopt a more holistic approach in healthcare delivery.