JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Chronic heart failure (HF) is a complex condition associated with high morbidity and mortality and increased healthcare utilisation. Key to improving outcomes is patient education - a critical step to promote self-management and optimise medical management. Newer digital tools, such as text-messaging and smart-phone applications provide novel approaches to educate patients. This study partnered with end-users (clinicians and consumers) to co-design a series of electronic health care tips (‘eTips’) to promote optimal HF self-management. Methods and

Results:

We conducted a series of three focus groups with cardiovascular clinicians, people living with HF and their caregivers which consisted of two stages: (i) an exploratory study to identify priority areas and unmet education needs of people living with HF (previously reported) and (ii) a co-design feedback session. This paper reports findings from the co-design feedback study. We identified five key considerations in the delivery of eTips and six relevant HF education modules for their content. Key considerations in eTip delivery included: (i) Timing of the eTips; (ii) Clear and concise eTips; (iii) Embedding a feedback mechanism; (iv) Distinguishing actionable and non-actionable eTips; and (v) Frequency of eTip delivery. Relevant education modules included: (i) Smoking cessation; (ii) Medication adherence; (iii) Self-management; (iv) Food and nutrition; (v) Sleep hygiene; and (vi) Mental health. Discussion and Conclusion: Co-design study findings have informed the development of a bank of eTips, which will be evaluated for efficacy through the BANDAIDS clinical trial (ACTRN12623000644662).