A Pre-Post, Mixed-Methods Study to Pilot Test a Gamified Heart Failure Self-Care Education Intervention

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Digital Health
• Patient Education

Background:

• Effective self-care is crucial for improving heart failure patient outcomes.
• Patient education is vital for developing complex self-care decision-making skills, including symptom perception and management.
• Current educational approaches may not fully engage patients in mastering essential self-care behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and potential effectiveness of Heart Self-Care Patient Education (HeartSCaPE).
• HeartSCaPE is a web-based, gamified solution utilizing narrative and virtual rewards for heart failure patient education.
• To assess the impact of HeartSCaPE on heart failure knowledge and self-care behaviors.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods study employing a pre-post-test design with an embedded qualitative phase.
• Participants completed the Self-Care of Heart Failure Index and the Dutch Heart Failure Knowledge Scale.
• System Usability Scale and Google Analytics were used to track usability and engagement.

Main Results:

• Nineteen patients completed the study, showing increased heart failure knowledge and improved self-reported self-care behaviors (maintenance, management, confidence).
• Despite high baseline scores, heart failure knowledge increased post-intervention.
• HeartSCaPE was rated highly usable, with participants valuing the practice of self-care decision-making, though opinions on virtual rewards were mixed.

Conclusions:

• A gamified, web-based solution incorporating narrative and reward techniques shows promise for enhancing heart failure patient knowledge and self-care.
• Further research is warranted to validate clinical benefits and address disparities in technology literacy.
• The HeartSCaPE intervention demonstrates potential as an innovative tool in heart failure management.