Avatar Based Discharge Education for patients with ACS

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 built on previous work by researchers at the University of Sydney and Flinders University who 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 study evaluates the effectiveness of this avatar-based discharge education app on CHD knowledge, clinical outcomes and modifiable cardiac risk factors. Costs, satisfaction and engagement are also evaluated.

The app is freely available on the iOS and Google app stores. We welcome collaboration to further explore the effects of this app in alternate settings and a larger sample.

The project protocol and findings are available.

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. 

The Team:

  • Mrs Tiffany Ellis
  • Dr Sonia Cheng
  • Mr Robert Zecchin
  • Dr Clara Zwack
  • Dr Ling Zhang
  • Dr Karice Hyun
  • Prof Robyn Gallagher
  • Prof Robyn Clark
  • Prof Julie Redfern

Contact:

Feel free to reach out to Tiffany Ellis at tiffany.ellis@sydney.edu.au

Other projects

PANDA Trial

(led by Prof Thomas Astell-Burt; funded MRFF Effective Treatments and Therapies Grant)

HeartPath+

(led by Dr Susie Cartledge; funded by MRFF Preventive and Public Health Research Initiative Grant)

At the heart of the matter

(led by Dr Sarah Gauci; funded by Deakin University’s Faculty of Health Research Capacity Building Grant Scheme)

Heat Health Research

(led by Dr Georgia Chaseling; funded by Heat and Health Research Incubator collaborative funds)

MeasureIt!

(led by Assoc Prof Nicole Freene; funded by MRFF Cardiovascular Health Mission Incubator Grant)