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. 2024 Jan;32(1):55-62.
doi: 10.1007/s12471-023-01835-7. Epub 2023 Dec 7.

Evaluation of an application for the self-assessment of lifestyle behaviour in cardiac patients

Wilhelmina F Goevaerts  1   2 , Nicole C C W Tenbült-van Limpt  3   4 , Yuan Lu  4 , Willem J Kop  5 , Hareld M C Kemps  3   4 , Rutger W M Brouwers  3   4
Affiliations

Evaluation of an application for the self-assessment of lifestyle behaviour in cardiac patients

Wilhelmina F Goevaerts et al. Neth Heart J. 2024 Jan.

Abstract

Background: Currently, no uniform, well-validated and comprehensive lifestyle behaviour self-assessment instrument exists for patients with cardiovascular disease.

Purpose: To evaluate the usability of a novel mobile application (LifeStyleScore) based on validated instruments for the assessment of cardiovascular risk behaviours. Secondly, the application's acceptance by healthcare professionals (HCPs) and its association with improved patient activation and lifestyle behaviour was evaluated.

Methods: In this single-centre, non-randomised observational pilot study, patients with coronary artery disease or atrial fibrillation entering cardiac rehabilitation (CR) completed the LifeStyleScore application, the Patient Activation Measure (PAM-13®), and the System Usability Scale (SUS) during the CR intake and after CR completion. A focus group interview was performed with the HCPs involved.

Results: We analysed 20 participants, 3 of whom were women, with a mean age of 61.9 ± 6.7 years. The LifeStyleScore application was rated with a SUS score above average (> 68) before (69.6 ± 13.4) and after CR (68.6 ± 15.1). All HCPs (n = 8) found the application usable. Patient activation did not increase significantly after CR compared with baseline (62.0 ± 8.6 versus 59.2 ± 9.5, respectively, p = 0.28) and only physical activity levels improved significantly (2.4 ± 0.7 (standardised score) at baseline, 2.8 ± 0.4 after CR, p = 0.04).

Conclusion: The LifeStyleScore application was found to be usable for patients receiving CR. Its use did not result in increased patient activation, and of the lifestyle behaviours only physical activity levels improved. Further research is needed to evaluate how such applications can be optimally incorporated in CR programmes.

Keywords: Cardiovascular diseases; Healthy lifestyle; Patient activation; Self-assessment; Transtheoretical model of behaviour change; eHealth.

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Conflict of interest statement

W.F. Goevaerts, N.C.C.W. Tenbült—van Limpt, Y. Lu, W.J. Kop, H.M.C. Kemps and R.W. M. Brouwers declare that they have no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Infographic
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Study design
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Distribution of the PAM levels at baseline and 3‑month follow-up
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Lifestyle behaviour scores at baseline and 3‑month follow-up
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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