BMC Digital Health (Dec 2024)

A pilot study of a digital education program (INFORM-AF) for patients living with atrial fibrillation

  • Caleb Ferguson,
  • Fahad Shaikh,
  • Annie Downie,
  • Tonia Wilson,
  • Kaitlyn Griffin,
  • Sabine M. Allida,
  • Louise D. Hickman,
  • Beata V. Bajorek,
  • Rochelle Wynne

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s44247-024-00137-1
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 2, no. 1
pp. 1 – 9

Abstract

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Abstract Background There are many unmet educational needs for people living with atrial fibrillation (AF). Digital health offers promise; however, evidence is largely lacking. Hence, the objective of this study was to determine the system usability, feasibility, and efficacy of a digital education program (INFORM-AF) for patients living with atrial fibrillation on AF-related knowledge and quality of life. Methods A pilot study was conducted. Patients diagnosed with AF were recruited from two metropolitan hospitals in Blacktown and Sutherland, New South Wales, Australia, following index hospitalisation. The INFORM-AF education program was delivered using the QStream™ digital platform directly to participants’ smartphones over 6 weeks. Outcome measures included AF knowledge (JAKQ), AF quality of life (AFEQT) and system usability (SUS). Surveys were completed in-hospital at baseline and via phone at 6 weeks, 3, 6 and 12 months. Results Thirty-two participants were enrolled, 2 were lost to follow up and 2 withdrew. 28 were included in the analyses. Mean age was 60 years (32–79 years), 56% female. There were significant improvements in AF knowledge (62% pre vs 73% post, p < 0.001) and AF quality of life at 6 weeks (53.7 ± 22.4 pre and 67.9 ± 25.5 post, p = 0.016) Knowledge improvements were the greatest in the risk factor, symptom recognition, and when to seek assistance domains. System usability was excellent (mean 84 SUS score). Conclusions The INFORM-AF education program demonstrated system usability and feasibility with improvements in AF knowledge and quality of life at 6 weeks, 3, 6 and 12 months. INFORM-AF will be evaluated in a larger clinical trial on outcomes including emergency department visits, hospitalisation, and healthcare utilisation. Trial registration https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=381531 . Date registered 15/04/2021.

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