JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Heart failure (HF) is a prevalent chronic condition requiring effective patient education and medication adherence. We developed Cardio-Meds, a mobile application offering educational content, quizzes, medication lists with reminders, and self-monitoring tools for weight and vital signs. A recent usability study by our group rated Cardio-Meds as good to excellent.

Objective:

This randomized controlled trial evaluated its impact on HF knowledge and therapeutic adherence in patients with reduced or mildly reduced ejection fraction.

Methods:

Patients with HF from the outpatient clinic and cardiac rehabilitation program at Geneva University Hospitals were randomized to a 30-day intervention using Cardio-Meds or usual care (control group). All participants completed baseline and 30-day questionnaires assessing HF knowledge (Dutch Heart Failure Knowledge Scale, DHFKS), therapeutic adherence (Basel Assessment of Adherence to Immunosuppressives Scale, BAASIS®) and Usability (in the intervention group).

Results:

Forty-nine patients (78% male, mean age 62 ± 11.4 years) participated (25 intervention, 24 control). HF knowledge score significantly improved in the intervention group (+1.3 points, p < 0.001) but not in the control group (−0.1 point, p = 0.82), with a statistically significant between-group difference (p < 0.001). Adherence showed no significant differences: the “initiation” score remained at 100% in the intervention group but declined to 80% in controls (p = 0.38). “Implementation” adherence decreased in the intervention group (64% to 52%) but increased in the control group (46% to 48%, p = 0.61). Usability findings indicated that 64% of the intervention group would continue using Cardio-Meds.

Conclusions:

The mobile app Cardio-Meds improved significantly HF knowledge but showed no clear impact on adherence, likely due to the short intervention period and small sample. The app was well-perceived and supported daily management. Larger multicentre studies are needed to validate these findings and further investigate Cardio-Meds’ potential to improve post-hospitalization care and reduce recurrent hospitalizations and emergency visits in patients with HF.