In a significant stride towards combating multimorbidity and psychological distress, ESCAPE has achieved a remarkable milestone. With impressive dedication, the project has successfully screened over 3500 patients for potential participation. Out of these, 200+ patients have been randomised to the trial, marking a pivotal moment in the project's journey. ESCAPE aims to randomise 300 patients across our five trial countries: Germany, Denmark, Italy, Hungary and Lithuania.
The ESCAPE Project, aimed at improving treatments for patients with multimorbidity and psychological distress, has the potential to transform care for this population in Europe through its comprehensive and transnational approach. Through meticulous screening processes and rigorous training of interventionists – called Care Managers – the project aims to ensure that participants receive the highest standard of care, while at the same time contributing to ground-breaking medical research. Professor Susanne S. Pedersen, Department of Psychology, University of Southern Denmark and Department of Cardiology, Odense University Hospital, and ESCAPE Project consortium lead, said: "We are now making strides with the clinical trial thanks to great efforts from the entire ESCAPE team. A special thank you goes to Professor Christoph Herrmann-Lingen and his team for leading the clinical trial but also to Eurocarers, our Advisory Board members, members of the Ethics Advisory Board and many more.”
Professor Dr Christoph Herrmann-Lingen, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen (Germany) and clinical trial lead stated: “It is amazing to see how the dedicated ESCAPE study teams at the participating sites are working towards the success of the trial by making the ESCAPE concept work in their different national and regional care environments.” The randomised patients, along with their carers – who are also participating in the intervention – represent a diverse spectrum of backgrounds and medical histories, reflecting the project's commitment to comprehensive research in a real-world clinical setting that can make a real difference. Their participation signifies a shared commitment to progress and a collective vision for a healthier future.
As ESCAPE continues to gain momentum, our researchers remain focused on their mission to redefine care standards and improve patient outcomes. With each milestone achieved, the project edges closer to its ultimate goal of transforming care for those with heart failure and psychological challenges.