Patient-perceived acceptability of a virtual world-based cardiac rehabilitation program

Despite its benefits, cardiac rehabilitation (CR) participation rates remain subpar. Telehealth lifestyle interventions have emerged as modalities to enhance CR accessibility. Virtual-world (VW) technology may provide a means to increase CR use.

This pilot study assessed the feasibility and acceptability of a VW-based CR program as an extension to medical center-based CR. Our goal is to apply the study results toward the design of a patient-centered VW platform prototype with high usability, understandability, and credibility.

Patients (n = 8, 25% women) recently enrolled in outpatient CR at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota participated in a 12-week, VW health education program and provided feedback on the usability, design and satisfaction of the intervention at baseline and completion. A mixed-methods approach was used to analyze the participant perceptions of the intervention.

Overall, there were positive participant perceptions of the VW experience. There was unanimous high satisfaction with the graphical interface appearance and ease of use. Participants placed value on the convenience, accessibility, and social connectivity of the remote program as well as the novelty of the simulation platform presentations, which aided in memorability of key concepts. Greater than 80% of participants reported that the program improved their health knowledge and helped to maintain better health habits.

Our pilot study revealed the feasibility and acceptability of an innovative VW-based CR program among cardiac patients. This novel delivery method for CR has the potential to influence healthy lifestyle change and to increase accessibility to vulnerable populations with higher cardiovascular disease burdens.