Mixed-methods process evaluation in the PRECOVERY study

Process evaluations examine how interventions are implemented. They can provide additional explanations for study results, and they are indispensable for complex intervention studies such as PRECOVERY.

Led by the Department of Geriatrics, the PRECOVERY study explores the impact of the “Karl-Heinz” prehabilitation programme - a two-week rehabilitation programme prior to heart surgery - on the health of people over 65.

Project Goals & Hypotheses

The mixed-methods process evaluation aims to assess the introduction and implementation of prehabilitation and to understand its effects. It also aims to find out how those involved in the programme perceive the prehabilitation.

Study design and methodology

The data collection and analysis for the mixed-methods study are structured as follows:

Quantitative part: Analysis of therapy plans and patient diaries, evaluation of staff training, and questionnaire surveys of patients, their close-ones, staff, and managers of rehabilitation centres. This is analysed using descriptive statistics and exploratory sensitivity analysis.

Qualitative part: Up to four interviews with patients or their relatives during their participation in the study, as well as interviews with the study physicians. In addition, there will be focus groups with staff at the rehabilitation centres and general practitioners. Content analysis is used to analyse the data. 

The process evaluation provides insights into the challenges and successes of implementation. This information can be used for future studies or the integration of the “Karl-Heinz” prehabilitation programme into standard care more effective.

Funding

Innovation Committee at the Federal Joint Committee (DRKS: DRKS00030526). Funding period: 01.11.2022 - 31.10.2026

Participating institutions

Consortium leadership:

Prof. Dr. Christine von Arnim, Dr. Carolin Steinmetz, Dr. Stephanie Heinemann, Klinik für Geriatrie, UMG, Germany

Responsibility for process evaluation

Prof. Dr. Eva Hummers, Institute of General Practice, University Medical Center Göttingen, Germany

For a complete list of consortium partners, see the PRECOVERY Project website.

Contact