JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Survivors of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are at high risk (>10% per year) of repeat major adverse cardiac events (MACE).[3] Secondary prevention programs provide education, medications, lifestyle modification [1] and reduce the risk of death and major adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Secondary prevention programs reduce risk of repeat cardiovascular events but are difficult to access in Australia.

Objective:

To describe and examine the implementation of a novel multimodality secondary prevention pilot program by the Australian National Heart Foundation (NHF) called My Heart, My Life (MHML), delivered through booklets, text messages, email and telephone calls.

Methods:

Mixed methods evaluation involving surveys of participants and health professionals, in-depth interviews and electronic platform and call record analytics. Setting: 38 Australian hospitals (November 2019 to June 2020) and NHF webpage. Participants: Adults and carers over 18 years with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or angina. Main outcome measures: Reach, accessibility, feasibility, barriers and enablers to implementation.

Results:

Results:

Of 1004 participants (843 patients and 160 carers), 612 (61%) were male, 51% between the ages of 45 to 64 years, 25% from disadvantaged areas, 3% with Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background and 17% reporting English as a secondary language. Participants and health professionals reported high satisfaction with the MHML program (89% and 86% respectively) and 100% reported being satisfied with the text message journey, 90% satisfied with quick-guide booklets, 75% with the monthly email journey and 71% with the Helpline calls. Most participants reported the program improved preventative behaviours, for example 73% reported they maintained increased physical activity and 84% maintained improved diet post the MHML program.

Conclusions:

Conclusions:

The findings suggest a mixed media program for the secondary prevention of CHD was appealing and useful to diverse participants and could be a potential means of providing customized at-scale secondary prevention support to patients post ACS.