Presentations for Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) are common in people previously hospitalized for coronary heart disease (CHD). Secondary prevention is recommended for all patients to reduce their risk of another cardiovascular event and prolong survival, however participation in cardiac rehabilitation and knowledge of risk factors is poor in this population.

This project builds on previous work by researchers at the University of Sydney and Flinders University who have developed an app based on the Heart Foundation’s Six Steps to Cardiac Recovery. The app utilises avatar technology as a novel way to deliver education. The avatar mimics a human’s voice, facial expressions and gestures which may be more engaging than written information, especially for people with poor literacy.

The aims of the project are to evaluate the effectiveness of avatar-based discharge education on CHD knowledge, clinical outcomes and modifiable cardiac risk factors, and to explore the acceptability of and engagement with the app from the consumer’s perspective.

See the full project protocol here.

Tiffany Ellis (SOLVE-CHD PhD student) was able to secure funding for this project through the Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) Allied Health Kickstarter Research Grant.