JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Cardiometabolic conditions including acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) require comprehensive care and patient engagement in self-care behaviors, and the drivers of those behaviors at the individual and health system level are still poorly understood.

Objective:

To gain insights into self-care behaviors of individuals with cardiometabolic conditions.

Methods:

A convenience sample of 98 ACS and T2D adult patients was recruited using in the USA, Germany and Taiwan to participate in a mixed-methods study using grounded theory and ethnographic methods. All participants completed 7-day online diaries tracking their level of engagement, and 48 completed 90-minute web-based semi-structured interviews between 4th February 2021–27th March 2021 focused on themes including moments of engagement. Qualitative analysis identified factors influencing self-care practices, levers of opportunities for future solutions, caregiver roles, and a Patient Experience Map prototype.

Results:

Patient reports indicate that many patients feel social pressure to adhere to treatment. Patients’ experience can be understood within five categories defined in terms of their degree of engagement and adherence. Using this framework to identify patient profiles provides opportunities to support patients in acquiring self-care confidence using virtual tools.

Conclusions:

For people living with ACS and T2D, the self-care journey is defined by patterns of patient experiences that can identify areas in which tailored virtual healthcare interventions may play a meaningful role.