Implementation and Assessment of a Life-style Focused Patient Support Application in Myocardial Infarction Patients
Condition: Myocardial Infarction
MeSH terms: Myocardial Infarction; Infarction
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      The study will assess the efficacy of a web-based application as a complement to traditional
      exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation for improvement of secondary prevention outcomes in
      post-myocardial infarction patients, compared with usual care. The hypothesis is that the
      intervention enhances patient adherence to lifestyle advice (exercise training, daily
      physical activity, healthy diet and tobacco abstinence) and medication, resulting in better
      risk factor control and prognosis as well as increased self-rated health.
    

Detailed description: 
      It is well documented that participation in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs improves
      risk factor control and therapy adherence, enhances quality of life and reduces recurrent
      events. However, the current incomplete fulfilment of guideline recommended CR targets is a
      matter of concern. Also, while international recommendations advocate program flexibility and
      individual tailoring, most of the current CR programs are rigid, time-limited and demand
      substantial health care resources. Therefore, all main international heart associations have
      claimed for the reengineering of CR to enhance access, adherence, and effectiveness. The
      general call is for the development of innovative and cost-effective CR programs oriented to
      modify lifestyle and behaviour with sustainable results and that may be easily integrated in
      the pre-existing health care structures.eHealth i.e. the use of electronic communication and
      information technologies in health care, offers a whole new array of possibilities to provide
      clinical care. These include for example distance monitoring via telecommunication and
      sensors, interactive computer programs and smart phone applications. While there are
      thousands of available eHealth applications on the market, only a small minority have been
      tested in a controlled manner with proper guidance from health care personnel. The study will
      assess the efficacy of a web-based patient support application as a complement to traditional
      exercise-based CR for improvement of secondary prevention outcomes in post-MI patients,
      compared with usual care. The hypothesis is that the intervention enhances patient adherence
      to lifestyle advice (exercise training, daily physical activity, healthy diet and tobacco
      abstinence) and medication, resulting in better risk factor control and prognosis as well as
      increased self-rated health. A secondary hypothesis is that complementing the application
      with an activity tracker (accelerometer in a smart bracelet) will enhance the effect of the
      intervention.
    

Intervention name(s): LifePod®
Intervention type(s): Other
Intervention description(s): The software is a web-based application designed to support persons adhering to lifestyle advice and medication. The patient can log information about lifestyle (i.e. diet, exercise, and smoking), measurements (i.e. weight, pulse and blood pressure), symptoms and medication and can review data in graphs displaying registered values in relation to recommended targets. The software provides positive feedback on healthy choices and gives general recommendations on exercise training, physical activity and healthy diet. Reminders are generated in the case of decreasing registrations. Finally, short text messages (SMS) will be sent out 2-3 times a week with tips on healthy lifestyle.
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)
Primary purpose: Treatment
Keywords: cardiac rehabilitation; eHealth; smartphone application