Digital Rehabilitation Platform for Patient Engagement and Recovery

The challenge

After a heart attack or major surgery, many patients feel anxious, low or unmotivated. Rehabilitation concentrates on physical recovery, and time for psychological support and education is limited. Unmet emotional needs can slow progress.

The solution

SwissDTx adds a digital layer to rehabilitation. Patients receive structured content on stress management, emotional coping and lifestyle adaptation and work through it at their own pace. Professionals see how patients are engaging and can adapt follow-up conversations.

What it supports

• Understanding: patients learn what happened, what it means and what they can do.
• Coping: patients practice ways to deal with stress and difficult emotions.
• Engagement: patients stay connected to their recovery between appointments.

Example: after a cardiac event

Illustrative example, fictional.

A patient in rehabilitation after a cardiac event receives short modules on coping with stress and adjusting daily habits. Between appointments the patient works through them at home. At the next appointment the care team sees which modules were completed and uses them as a starting point for the conversation.

Evidence and credibility

• Systematic reviews of remote delivery in cardiac rehabilitation, mainly of exercise programs, found it at least as effective as centre-based programs for cardiovascular risk factors and functional capacity [1]. These results do not automatically apply to other forms of digital support.

References

1. Rawstorn JC, Gant N, Direito A, Beckmann C, Maddison R. Telehealth exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Heart. 2016;102(15):1183-1192. Full text

FAQ

What is digital rehabilitation?

Digital rehabilitation uses digital tools to support rehabilitation, for example by providing exercises, education or follow-up outside of appointments.

What is psychoeducation in rehabilitation?

Psychoeducation gives patients structured information and skills to understand their condition and cope with it, including stress and emotional strain.

Why is psychological support part of rehabilitation?

After a cardiac event or major surgery, many patients feel anxious or low, while rehabilitation concentrates on physical recovery. Digital content can add structured psychological support and education between appointments.

Does SwissDTx replace rehabilitation?

No. It complements rehabilitation with digital content between appointments. SwissDTx delivers and manages digital content. Diagnosis and treatment decisions remain with the professionals.

How does SwissDTx support rehabilitation teams?

Patients receive structured content on their own device, and professionals follow participation to tailor follow-up conversations.