The effect of education using the interactive avatar application on self-care and the ability to identify and respond to the symptoms of heart attack in patients with acute coronary syndrome: a randomized clinical trial
Abstract Background This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of an interactive avatar application in enhancing self-care behaviors and improving recognition and response to heart attack symptoms among patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS). Methods A non-blinded, two-arm, randomized control...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
BMC
2025-04-01
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| Series: | BMC Health Services Research |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-025-12756-z |
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| Summary: | Abstract Background This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of an interactive avatar application in enhancing self-care behaviors and improving recognition and response to heart attack symptoms among patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS). Methods A non-blinded, two-arm, randomized controlled trial was conducted with 78 ACS patients randomly allocated to either an intervention group or a control group. The control group received conventional education, while the intervention group received conventional education supplemented with training via an interactive avatar application. The application provided guidance on self-care practices, recognition of heart attack symptoms, and appropriate responses. Data were collected at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months post-discharge using demographic questionnaires, the Self-Care of Coronary Heart Disease Inventory, and the ACS Response Index. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests, independent samples t-tests, and Mann-Whitney U tests. Results At the 3-month follow-up, participants in the intervention group exhibited significantly higher scores on both the Self-Care of Coronary Heart Disease Inventory and ACS Response Index compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, during the 3-month follow-up period, all patients in the intervention group (100%) ceased activity and took sublingual nitroglycerin upon experiencing heart attack symptoms, compared to 80% in the control group. Conclusions The interactive avatar application proved effective in improving knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and self-care behaviors among ACS patients. This innovative educational tool holds promise for enhancing patient outcomes in ACS management. Trial registration This study was registered at the Iranian Registration Clinical Trial Center (Code: IRCT20220920056001N1, Date: 2023-01-03). |
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| ISSN: | 1472-6963 |