A feasibility study of combined hyperbaric oxygen treatment and a lifestyle medicine program for multimorbid conditions

Introduction: Multimorbidity and polypharmacy are highly prevalent among patients receiving hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT). Lifestyle Medicine (LM) interventions improve health outcomes in chronic disease management, but their implementation in tertiary hospital settings remains poorly studied and not at all in hyperbaric therapy. We evaluated the feasibility and acceptability amongst patients and staff of delivering a Lifestyle Medicine Program (LMP) within a small hyperbaric medicine department. Methods: A six-week, open-label, feasibility study was conducted at the Department of Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine, Royal Hobart Hospital. The LMP comprised weekly group education sessions on the six pillars of LM, underpinned by motivational interviewing, and supported by newsletters. Acceptability (participant satisfaction ratings, recommendation rates, perceived value) and feasibility (enrolment, session attendance, retention, engagement, resource use, cost analysis, program delivery, and safety) were assessed via mixed methods data analysis on participant and staff feedback through questionnaires and focus groups. Results: Twelve patients were recruited via rolling recruitment; 11 completed post-program questionnaires. Participants perceived the LMP as acceptable, safe, and valuable, with 11/11 recommending the program and 10 reporting it beneficial. Qualitative themes from short answers and focus groups indicated that the group-based education fostered social connection and self-agency, though challenges in accessibility, program framing, and therapeutic alliance with HBOT highlighted areas for improvement to enhance feasibility and integration within clinical care. Seventeen staff completed their questionnaire, indicating that the LMP was perceived as beneficial, valuable, and achievable with the hyperbaric setting, provided that minor logistical and structural modifications are made. Conclusions: Delivering a LMP alongside HBOT is feasible in a tertiary hospital setting, with potential to enhance patient wellbeing and complement clinical care. Larger, multi-site trials are needed to evaluate scalability, inclusivity, and long-term feasibility outcomes.