JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Research indicates that management of distress levels in those with cardiac disease is not only important for improving quality of life and functioning but is also critical for condition management, adherence to treatment, and ultimately disease prognosis and progression. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has consistently demonstrated positive long-term outcomes across a wide array of conditions, including chronic illness. However, most empirical investigations conducted to date also involve in-person therapy, which can be difficult to access, particularly for those dealing with the demands of chronic disease.

Objective:

The objective of this research is to evaluate a digital ACT intervention to improve self-management behaviours and distress levels in those with cardiac conditions

Methods:

The digital ACT intervention will be delivered via a digital health self-management platform over 6 weeks. This will involve a randomized-multiple baseline Single Case Experimental Design (SCED) with approximately 3-15 adults with cardiac disease. The Independent Variable for each participant will be the pre- post intervention phase. Dependent variables will be a daily self report measure of psychological flexibility as well as objective measures of condition self-management (e.g. blood pressure readings) and engagement with the app (e.g. completing guided mindfulness).

Results:

Participant data recruitment and data collection will begin in October 2021 and it is projected that study findings will be available for dissemination by Spring 2022.

Conclusions:

Findings will be discussed in terms of how a digital ACT intervention can best meet the needs of cardiac patients.