Abstract
BackgroundAdoption of healthy lifestyle and compliance with cholesterol-lowering medication reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The use of digital tools and mobile technology may be important for sustaining positive behavioral change.ObjectiveThe primary objective of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of administering the Cholesterol CarePlan Web app developed by the American Heart Association aimed at improving lifestyle and medication adherence among patients prescribed cholesterol-lowering medication. The secondary objective is to assess the Web app’s efficacy.MethodsA prospective, observational feasibility study will be conducted to demonstrate whether the Web app may be successfully taken up by patients and will be associated with improved clinical and behavioral outcomes. The study will aim to recruit 180 study participants being prescribed cholesterol-lowering medication for at least 30 days across 14 general practices in London, England. Potentially eligible patients will be invited to use the Web app on a smartphone and visit general practice for three 20-minute clinical assessments of blood pressure, height, weight, smoking, and nonfasting cholesterol over 24 weeks. The feasibility of administering the Web app will be judged by recruitment and dropout statistics and the sociodemographic and comorbidity profile of consenting study participants, consenting nonparticipants, and all potentially eligible patients. Acceptability will be assessed using patients’ readiness to embrace new technologies, the usability of the Web app, and patient satisfaction. The efficacy of the Web app will be assessed by changes in medication adherence and clinical risk factors by levels of the Web app compliance.ResultsThis study is currently funded by the American Heart Association. Initial study recruitment will take place between February and July 2018 followed by patient follow-up. Patient level data will be obtained in January 2019. Data analysis will be completed by February 2019. Results will be submitted for publication in March 2019.ConclusionsThe potential of an app to improve patients’ lifestyle and management of cholesterol may inform the design of a randomized controlled trial and the delivery of more effective CVD prevention programs.International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)PRR1-10.2196/9017
Highlights
BackgroundCardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause of disability and premature mortality worldwide accounting for a third of deaths annually in England [1,2]
The American Heart Association (AHA), a US charity devoted to cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention, developed the Cholesterol CarePlan Web app for patients prescribed a cholesterol-lowering medication
The benefits to health services may be the delivery of more effective CVD prevention programs
Summary
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause of disability and premature mortality worldwide accounting for a third of deaths annually in England [1,2]. The American Heart Association (AHA), a US charity devoted to CVD prevention, developed the Cholesterol CarePlan Web app for patients prescribed a cholesterol-lowering medication. This Web app delivered to patients on their smartphones through the internet aims to increase patients’ awareness of the benefits associated with compliance with medication, regular physical activity, and a healthy diet while monitoring these behavioral risk factors over time. Using 7 health factors and lifestyle behaviors that support heart health, it is based on the AHA’s “ideal cardiovascular health.” These factors and behaviors, called “Life’s Simple 7,” are smoking status, healthy diet, physical activity, healthy weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose. The feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of the AHA Cholesterol CarePlan have not been assessed among patients
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