Living with the aftermath of a heart transplant is physically and emotionally taxing. Many survivors struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. A new trial looked at how to better support these patients using a stepped-care approach, which starts with one type of treatment and moves to something more intensive if needed.
The study followed 477 heart transplant survivors. Some started with a digital coaching app, while others received standard care. For those whose symptoms did not improve enough by week four, the plan shifted to either more intense coaching or professional therapy. The results showed that patients who eventually moved into professional therapy saw the greatest and most lasting improvements in their PTSD symptoms.
While the initial digital tool helped many people quickly, it did not perform better than standard care at the very beginning. However, using the app as a starting point for those who needed more help later proved effective. Because the study was complex, some results at the three-month mark were tied to the change in treatment rather than just the first step.
