Development of a Digital Lifestyle Modification Intervention for Use after Transient Ischaemic Attack or Minor Stroke: A Person-Based Approach

Neil Heron, Seán R. O’Connor, Frank Kee, David R. Thompson, Neil Anderson, David Cutting, Margaret E. Cupples and Michael Donnelly
Additional contact information
Neil Heron: Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT12 6BA, UK
Seán R. O’Connor: Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT12 6BA, UK
Frank Kee: Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT12 6BA, UK
David R. Thompson: School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
Neil Anderson: School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5NB, UK
David Cutting: School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5NB, UK
Margaret E. Cupples: Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT12 6BA, UK
Michael Donnelly: Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT12 6BA, UK

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 9, 1-15

Abstract: This paper describes the development of the ‘Brain-Fit’ app, a digital secondary prevention intervention designed for use in the early phase after transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or minor stroke. The aim of the study was to explore perceptions on usability and relevance of the app in order to maximise user engagement and sustainability. Using the theory- and evidence-informed person-based approach, initial planning included a scoping review of qualitative evidence to identify barriers and facilitators to use of digital interventions in people with cardiovascular conditions and two focus groups exploring experiences and support needs of people ( N = 32) with a history of TIA or minor stroke. The scoping review and focus group data were analysed thematically and findings were used to produce guiding principles, a behavioural analysis and explanatory logic model for the intervention. Optimisation included an additional focus group ( N = 12) and individual think-aloud interviews ( N = 8) to explore perspectives on content and usability of a prototype app. Overall, thematic analysis highlighted uncertainty about increasing physical activity and concerns that fatigue might limit participation. Realistic goals and progressive increases in activity were seen as important to improving self-confidence and personal control. The app was seen as a useful and flexible resource. Participant feedback from the optimisation phase was used to make modifications to the app to maximise engagement, including simplification of the goal setting and daily data entry sections. Further studies are required to examine efficacy and cost-effectiveness of this novel digital intervention.

Keywords: transient ischaemic attack; stroke; secondary prevention; risk reduction; behaviour change; physical activity (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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