JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is essential for recovery from cardiovascular disease. However, patients often encounter challenges in navigating the transition from acute hospital care to CR. Mobile health (mHealth) technologies may support this critical phase, yet evidence regarding their clinical practice remains limited. The HERO app was developed to address cardiac patients’ needs for orientation, emotional support, and motivation during this transition.

Objective:

(1) To explore how mHealth technologies tailored for cardiac patients can support their needs regarding orientation, emotional balance, and motivation during the transition from the acute hospital to CR, and (2) to evaluate the user experience and acceptance of the HERO app as targeted pathway support.

Methods:

A mixed methods study was conducted with cardiac patients using study diaries, questionnaires, and semi-structured interviews. Participants were purposively recruited in acute hospitals and rehabilitation settings. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively, and qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis after Mayring.

Results:

Eight participants used the app for an average of 14 days. The app was perceived as a helpful short-term resource. It supported patients in understanding their condition, planning for CR, and regaining motivation. Participants highlighted the value of combining objective information with peer experiences. Suggestions for improvement included more personalized self-management guidance and a precise onboarding process to increase accessibility and usability.

Conclusions:

Based on the findings, we propose four pillars of mHealth support for cardiac care transitions including timely access, actionable guidance, peer support, and short-term usability. These pillars could inform the design of patient-centered mHealth tools for care transitions.