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A Self-Administered Gamified Mobile Application for Secondary Prevention of Heart Disease in Patients Following a Cardiac Event (MyHeartMate): Process Evaluation from a Randomized Controlled Trial

Gallagher, Robyn; Neubeck, Lis; Davis, Angus; Redfern, Julie; Parker, Helen M.; Hyun, Karice; Chow, Clara; Celermajer, David S.; Buckley, Thomas; Schumacher, Tracy; Tofler, Geoffrey; Figtree, Gemma

Authors

Robyn Gallagher

Angus Davis

Julie Redfern

Helen M. Parker

Karice Hyun

Clara Chow

David S. Celermajer

Thomas Buckley

Tracy Schumacher

Geoffrey Tofler

Gemma Figtree



Abstract

Objective: This study reports the process evaluation of a randomized controlled trial of the MyHeartMate app for patients with coronary heart disease (CHD).
Materials and Methods: Data were collected on engagement in the intervention group from the app platform logs and self-reported usage and via interviews for perspectives of usefulness and acceptability. Participants’ (n = 194) data logs showed 80.4% entered baseline data. Tracking (≥30 days) occurred for body mass index (23.2%), blood pressure (BP) (21.1%), and exercise (23.7%). Missions completed on ≥4 days were 47.5% for healthy eating and 30.9% for exercise; 50.5% used the word game. One quarter (26.8%) was classified as “engaged” (tracked exercise and/or BP ≥5 times and completed ≥18 missions in the first 30 days). There were no differences between participants who were “engaged” or not in baseline characteristics or 6-month outcomes, although engaged users were more likely to meet 4/5 recommended risk factor guideline levels (30.8% vs. 17.6%, P = 0.03).
Results: Participants perceived tracking, prompts, and rewards as useful for recovery and risk factor-related lifestyle change, and games were enjoyed. Engagement decreased with time. Acceptability was limited when app processes were difficult to understand, not personalized enough and/or the overall game concept was disliked.
Conclusions: Insight into user’s perceptions and use of gamified app components is essential to address barriers to uptake and optimize potential health benefits. The target audience for a serious game app for CHD remains uncertain.

Citation

Gallagher, R., Neubeck, L., Davis, A., Redfern, J., Parker, H. M., Hyun, K., Chow, C., Celermajer, D. S., Buckley, T., Schumacher, T., Tofler, G., & Figtree, G. (online). A Self-Administered Gamified Mobile Application for Secondary Prevention of Heart Disease in Patients Following a Cardiac Event (MyHeartMate): Process Evaluation from a Randomized Controlled Trial. Games for health journal, https://doi.org/10.1089/g4h.2024.0174

Journal Article Type Article
Online Publication Date Nov 25, 2024
Deposit Date Jan 15, 2025
Journal Games for Health Journal
Print ISSN 2161-783X
Publisher Mary Ann Liebert
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
DOI https://doi.org/10.1089/g4h.2024.0174