Evaluation of a Web-Based Self-Management Program for Patients With Cardiovascular Disease: Explorative Randomized...

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Cardiovascular Disease Management
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Web-based self-management programs show promise for supporting cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients.
• The Vascular View program was developed using intervention mapping to address patient needs in self-management.
• It includes modules on coping, lifestyle, nutrition, physical activity, and healthcare interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the potential effectiveness and effect sizes of the Vascular View program.
• To identify optimal outcome measures for future large-scale randomized clinical trials (RCTs).
• To assess the feasibility of a web-based self-management tool for CVD patients.

Main Methods:

• An explorative randomized clinical trial (RCT) was conducted.
• The intervention group received 12 months of access to Vascular View alongside usual care.
• Outcome measures included general and module-specific patient-reported outcomes, analyzed using linear mixed models.

Main Results:

• A total of 208 patients (105 control, 103 intervention) participated.
• Most outcome measures showed a positive trend favoring the intervention group.
• Significant improvements were observed in disease cause attribution (IPQ) and nicotine dependence (FTND).

Conclusions:

• No definitive conclusions on efficacy or optimal outcome measures can be drawn yet.
• A process evaluation is planned to understand program mechanisms and patient engagement.
• Findings will inform the adaptation and targeting of future eHealth self-management programs for CVD.