Getting "Back on Track" After a Cardiac Event: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial of a Web-Based...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Digital Health
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Many cardiac patients struggle with secondary prevention behavior change targets.
• Mental health significantly impacts patients' ability to adopt health behaviors.
• There's a need for accessible, theory-driven eHealth programs for cardiac recovery and self-management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess short- and longer-term outcomes of the Back on Track web-based self-management program.
• To determine if one-on-one telephone support enhances program benefits compared to self-directed use.

Main Methods:

• 120 participants post-cardiac event randomly assigned to self-directed or supported (telephone counseling) Back on Track program.
• All accessed the web-based program for 2 months; supported group received 2 phone sessions.
• Assessed dietary intake, physical activity, smoking, anxiety, depression, self-efficacy, quality of life, and health at baseline, 2, and 6 months.

Main Results:

• 122 participants enrolled; recruitment completed August 2021.
• Data collection and analysis for 6-month follow-up to be completed by June 2022.

Conclusions:

• The Back on Track trial will quantify behavioral and emotional improvements in cardiac patients.
• It compares self-directed vs. counselor-supported delivery of the web-based program.
• The program is anticipated to aid recovery and self-management, serving as an accessible adjunct to cardiac rehabilitation.