Abstract

Background: Cardiac rehabilitation (CR), a supervised programme of exercise and information sessions, can reduce the risk of heart attack and hospitalisation in patients with chronic heart disease. And yet, few eligible patients take part in traditional centre-based approaches. Physical activity (PA) can now be promoted using new technologies which offer the potential to extend the capability of CR. This study set out to explore patient views on personalised PA feedback using a novel technology-enabled approach.

Methods: We developed graphics for the presentation of personalised PA feedback from data collected through wrist-worn monitors. Thirteen cardiac patients and nine healthcare professionals recruited from South West England wore PA monitors for one week. Participants then attended semi-structured interviews during which personalised PA feedback was provided. Interviews were analysed using framework analysis.

Results: Participants demonstrated a clear understanding of their personalised feedback and perceived it to be useful and revealing. They reported finding the feedback to be motivating and helpful in identifying ways in which they could
potentially become more physically active. Technology-enabled PA feedback emerged as a route to address some of the key accessibility barriers to taking part in CR; providing a support between hospitalisation and start of CR. For those expressing a lack of trust in CR and concerns about the risks of exercise, a personalised technology-assisted approach offers the potential to address these barriers and support efforts to be more active outside of supervised sessions.

Conclusions: Wearable technology that provides individualised feedback on PA in patients following a cardiac event showed good acceptability among patients and practitioners. This study provides novel insights into the potential use of technology-enabled PA feedback as a route to improve accessibility, delivery and provision of CR.
Original languageEnglish
Publication statusPublished - 16 Jan 2020
EventUnited Kingdom Society for Behavioural Medicine annual conference - Bath, UK United Kingdom
Duration: 16 Jan 202017 Jan 2020

Conference

ConferenceUnited Kingdom Society for Behavioural Medicine annual conference
Country/TerritoryUK United Kingdom
CityBath
Period16/01/2017/01/20

Keywords

  • Cardiac rehabilitation
  • Behaviour change
  • Physical activity

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