Development and Iterative Design of Peer-based Discussions about Heart Health for Women

To support women in their health journeys around cardiovascular risk reduction, providing: access to information; space to discuss complex and personal issues that may factor into decision making; and skills to support conversations with healthcare providers.

We used a participatory design approach to develop peer sessions led by a non-clinical facilitator and a cardiologist, for women to learn, think, and discuss information and decision-making around cardiovascular risk. These sessions took place in-person and over video. A host invited her friends, family or network to the events. Sessions were designed to bring information to women at all stages of cardiovascular risk, including women with no prior experiences with heart health and women with established cardiovascular disease. The sessions provided information about cardiovascular risk and facilitated discussion around risk factors and treatment. Sessions were recorded, transcribed and analyzed using a grounded theory approach to identify emerging themes.

We conducted 12 groups, with an average of 6 women per group. Women were of all ages and spectrums of cardiovascular risk. The three major themes that emerged were: Starting Place (attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors toward cardiovascular care are informed by a blend of one's family history, personal interactions with their health and the health system, and approach to managing uncertainty); Lack of Sense-Making (seemingly simple recommendations to support heart health were much more complicated when related to their own risk and experience), and Self-Judgement and Judgement by Others (without support or validation, women may feel judged by others for not doing enough).

Peer sessions can illuminate the complicated issues women face when approaching decisions regarding cardiovascular health. These sessions may offer an alternative to the healthcare setting, for women to wrestle with complex issues that relate to their risk, and better prepare for visits with their healthcare providers.