Using Animation to Improve Recovery from Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Randomized Trial

Abstract

Background: Recovery from myocardial infarction has been associated with patients’ perceptions of damage to their heart. New technologies offer a way to show patients animations that may foster more accurate perceptions and encourage medication adherence, increased exercise and faster return to activities. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a brief animated intervention delivered at the patients’ bedside on perceptions and recovery in acute coronary syndrome patients. Methods: Seventy acute coronary syndrome patients were randomly assigned to the intervention or standard care alone. Illness perceptions, medication beliefs and recovery outcomes were measured. Results: Post-intervention, the intervention group had significantly increased treatment control perceptions and decreased medication harm beliefs and concerns. Seven weeks later, intervention participants had significantly increased treatment control and timeline beliefs, decreased symptoms, lower cardiac avoidance, greater exercise and faster return to normal activities compared to control patients. Conclusions: A brief animated intervention may be clinically effective for acute coronary syndrome patients (Trial-ID: ACTRN12614000440628).