Initial implementation of the My Heart My Life (MHML) Program in Australia by the National Heart Foundation (Preprint)

Abstract

Survivors of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are at high risk (>10% per year) of repeat major adverse cardiac events (MACE).[3] Secondary prevention programs provide education, medications, lifestyle modification [1] and reduce the risk of death and major adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Secondary prevention programs reduce risk of repeat cardiovascular events but are difficult to access in Australia.

To describe and examine the implementation of a novel multimodality secondary prevention pilot program by the Australian National Heart Foundation (NHF) called My Heart, My Life (MHML), delivered through booklets, text messages, email and telephone calls.

Mixed methods evaluation involving surveys of participants and health professionals, in-depth interviews and electronic platform and call record analytics. Setting: 38 Australian hospitals (November 2019 to June 2020) and NHF webpage. Participants: Adults and carers over 18 years with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or angina. Main outcome measures: Reach, accessibility, feasibility, barriers and enablers to implementation.

Results: Of 1004 participants (843 patients and 160 carers), 612 (61%) were male, 51% between the ages of 45 to 64 years, 25% from disadvantaged areas, 3% with Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background and 17% reporting English as a secondary language. Participants and health professionals reported high satisfaction with the MHML program (89% and 86% respectively) and 100% reported being satisfied with the text message journey, 90% satisfied with quick-guide booklets, 75% with the monthly email journey and 71% with the Helpline calls. Most participants reported the program improved preventative behaviours, for example 73% reported they maintained increased physical activity and 84% maintained improved diet post the MHML program.

Conclusions: The findings suggest a mixed media program for the secondary prevention of CHD was appealing and useful to diverse participants and could be a potential means of providing customized at-scale secondary prevention support to patients post ACS.