Using Participatory Action Research to Develop an Avatar-Based Education Application for Improve Knowledge of Symptom Recognition and Response for Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes

Abstract

Background: A patients’ ability to recognise and manage the symptoms of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) is imperative for seeking timely medical intervention. Current research has demonstrated that information technology now plays an important role in improving patients’ knowledge and self- management ability. Purpose: To develop and evaluate an interactive, avatar-based education application (app) to improve patients’ knowledge and response to ACS symptoms. Methods: Participatory action research methods were used to engage Consumers, Cardiac and gaming IT experts to develop an ACS educational tool for delivery on a tablets-computer. The app was evaluated for its effectiveness in improving ACS knowledge, symptom recognition, satisfaction and acceptability by validated questionnaires. Results: The cardiovascular experts ensured that the app integrated the heart attack message according to evidence-based guidelines, applicability of psychometric tools, appropriated language, images and interactivities. Feedback from patients focussed on usability, ease of navigation and enjoyment. Ten ACS patients mean age 52.2±10.4 years were recruited. Participants reported a high level of satisfaction with the app (87.3%) and expressed that the app had taught them how to recognise and respond to symptoms of heart attack. ACS response index indicated that knowledge scores increased from 62.4±13.4% to 78.1±9.3%, a 15.7% increase, belief scores increased by 25.7% (73.2±6.1% to 98.9±1.7%) and symptom recognition scores increased by 24.2%(72.5±5.6% to 96.8±8.0%). Conclusion: This preliminary study involved developing and evaluating an avatar application for improving patients’ knowledge and response to ACS symptoms. Positive feedback shows that the methodology used in this study was acceptable and appropriate.