Developing innovative technologies to support behaviour change after myocardial infarction

Start Date

6 January 2020

End Date

7 July 2024

Project Participants

Monash University

Status: Completed

Tags: artificial intelligence (AI), behaviour change, cardiac care, cardiovascular health, clinician engagement, consumer engagement, hospital, mental health, primary care, rehabilitation, secondary prevention, self management, virtual care

Opportunity 

Recovery after a heart attack (myocardial infarction, or MI) requires people to take ongoing medication, participate in rehabilitation, and make lasting lifestyle changes. However, post-discharge information and support can be fragmented across hospitals, general practice, and other healthcare providers. Participation and adherence in cardiac rehab can also be limited. 

This project explored how digital health could provide more relevant, person-centred support following a heart attack.  

Project Objectives  

The project aimed to:  

  • identify evidence-based behavioural, cognitive and motivational strategies supporting adherence and sustainable lifestyle changes relevant to cardiovascular recovery 
  • understand patient and clinician perspectives on mobile technology and appropriately implemented AI to support secondary prevention 
  • develop an end user-informed framework for a digital post-MI intervention. 

The research delivered: 

  • a critical review of behaviour change frameworks for digital health interventions 
  • analysis of digital health research topics and trends in myocardial infarction 
  • co-design with patients and health professionals and a qualitative study of attitudes to AI-enabled secondary prevention for MI 
  • a digital-phenotyping pilot focused on mental health among people with lived experience of cardiovascular disease. 

This project also supported the successful completion of a PhD program.

The project provides an evidence base for designing digital secondary prevention solutions in cardiovascular health that reflect the needs and perspectives of patients and health professionals. Its findings highlight how mobile technologies may complement education and mental health support after a heart attack, with considerations for the appropriate use of AI for personalisation and implementation in these tools. 

Integrity, Excellence,
Teamwork and Authenticity

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