For the thousands of people in the UK who survive a sudden cardiac arrest each year, the journey ahead can be incredibly challenging. The physical, emotional, and cognitive impacts are widespread, affecting nearly every aspect of daily life for survivors and their loved ones.
If you or someone close to you has experienced this harrowing ordeal, you know first-hand just how difficult picking up the pieces can be. But there is hope on the horizon in the form of a pioneering new program being developed to support cardiac arrest survivors and their caregivers.
Researchers at the University of Warwick are working to create the Cardiac Arrest Recovery Enablement and Self-management Support (CARESS) program. This comprehensive rehabilitation initiative aims to provide tailored one-on-one education, exercise guidance, and emotional care to survivors and their key supporters in the crucial weeks following a cardiac arrest and hospital discharge.
Right now, the CARESS team is seeking cardiac arrest survivors and their family members or friends to participate in shaping this innovative program. You’ll play an invaluable role in developing a program poised to transform the aftercare experience for countless future survivors and their key supporters across the UK.
By taking part, you’ll have the opportunity to share your personal experiences through interviews and feedback sessions, ensuring the program meets the real-world needs of those recovering from a cardiac arrest.
CARESSf – The Feasibility Study
Who can join the study?
- Cardiac arrest survivors
- Family members, friends or significant others of survivors
- You are aged 18 years or older
- You can attend in an in-person group meeting
What will it involve?
- Taking part in two in-person meetings
- Your travel costs will be reimbursed
When?
Two sessions will be held, one in June and one in July:
- Group meeting 1 (workshop) – June 21st, 2024
- Group meeting 2 (consensus) – July 17th, 2024
- Time: 10 am – 4 pm
Where?
University of Warwick, CV4 7SH
For more Information
If you are interested in becoming a participant in this important research, then please contact Kirstie Haywood and Nathan Pearson at the CARESSf team by emailing [email protected]
BSREC ID: 71/22-23
Study sponsor: University of Warwick
After our first meet-up in February 2015, I realised I was not alone. It was the first time since my cardiac arrest the previous year that I had spoken face-to-face with someone who had experienced what I had. This was also true for my wife, who also happened to be my lifesaver. From that meet-up, the idea of SCA UK was born. Since then, we have achieved a considerable amount, primarily providing information, resources and support to others in a similar situation but also raising the profile of survivorship and the need for better post-discharge care. We are starting to get traction in this, and with the formation of the charity, I genuinely believe we have a bright future ahead and will make a significant difference in the lives of many who join our ranks.