Development of a Digital Lifestyle Modification Intervention for Use after Transient Ischaemic Attack or Minor Stroke

A Person-Based Approach

Bibliographic Data

ID15469601
AuthorsNeil Heron (0000-0002-4123-9806, Royal Victoria Hospital, corresponding author), Sean O’Connor (0000-0001-5427-243X), Seán R O’Connor (0000-0001-6805-8899, Queen's University Belfast), Frank Kee (0000-0002-0606-8167, Queen's University Belfast), David R Thompson (0000-0001-8518-6307, Queen's University Belfast), Neil Anderson (0000-0001-7192-7717, Queen's University Belfast), David Cutting (0000-0002-1088-4749, Queen's University Belfast), Margaret E Cupples (0000-0002-4248-9700, Queen's University Belfast), Michael Donnelly (0000-0003-3357-8178, Queen's University Belfast)
Year2021
Volume18
Issue9
Pages4861-4861
Publication date2021-05-02
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601
PublisherMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/ijerph18094861
PMID34063298
OpenAlexW3159960657
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited53

This paper describes the development of the 'Brain-Fit' app, a digital secondary prevention intervention designed for use in the early phase after transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or minor stroke. The aim of the study was to explore perceptions on usability and relevance of the app in order to maximise user engagement and sustainability. Using the theory- and evidence-informed person-based approach, initial planning included a scoping review of qualitative evidence to identify barriers and facilitators to use of digital interventions in people with cardiovascular conditions and two focus groups exploring experiences and support needs of people ( N = 32) with a history of TIA or minor stroke. The scoping review and focus group data were analysed thematically and findings were used to produce guiding principles, a behavioural analysis and explanatory logic model for the intervention. Optimisation included an additional focus group ( N = 12) and individual think-aloud interviews ( N = 8) to explore perspectives on content and usability of a prototype app. Overall, thematic analysis highlighted uncertainty about increasing physical activity and concerns that fatigue might limit participation. Realistic goals and progressive increases in activity were seen as important to improving self-confidence and personal control. The app was seen as a useful and flexible resource. Participant feedback from the optimisation phase was used to make modifications to the app to maximise engagement, including simplification of the goal setting and daily data entry sections. Further studies are required to examine efficacy and cost-effectiveness of this novel digital intervention

Art · Cardiology · Humanities · Intervention (counseling · Ischaemic stroke · Ischemia · Minor (academic · Minor stroke · Physical medicine and rehabilitation · Physical therapy · Psychiatry · Stroke (engine · Transient (computer programming · Cardiac Health and Mental Health · Computer Science · Engineering · Medicine · Physical Activity and Health · Stroke Rehabilitation and Recovery

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