Length of initial prescription at hospital discharge and long-term medication adherence for elderly, post-myocardial infarction patients: a population-based interrupted time series study.

BACKGROUND: Preliminary evidence suggests that providing longer duration prescriptions at discharge may improve long-term adherence to secondary preventative cardiac medications among post-myocardial infarction (MI) patients. We implemented and assessed the effects of two hospital-based interventions-(1) standardized prolonged discharge prescription forms (90-day supply with 3 repeats for recommended cardiac medications) plus education and (2) education only-on long-term cardiac medication adherence among elderly patients post-MI. METHODS: We conducted an interrupted time series study of all post-MI patients aged 65-104 years in Ontario, Canada, discharged from hospital between September 2015 and August 2018 with ≥ 1 dispensation(s) for a statin, beta blocker, angiotensin system inhibitor, and/or secondary antiplatelet within 7 days post-discharge. The standardized prolonged discharge prescription forms plus education and education-only interventions were implemented at 2 (1,414 patients) and 4 (926 patients) non-randomly selected hospitals in September 2017 for 12 months, with all other Ontario hospitals (n = 143; 18,556 patients) comprising an external control group. The primary outcome, long-term cardiac medication adherence, was defined at the patient-level as an average proportion of days covered (over 1-year post-discharge) ≥ 80% across cardiac medication classes dispensed at their index fill. Primary outcome data were aggregated within hospital groups (intervention 1, 2, or control) to monthly proportions and independently analyzed using segmented regression to evaluate intervention effects. A process evaluation was conducted to assess intervention fidelity. RESULTS: At 12 months post-implementation, there was no statistically significant effect on long-term cardiac medication adherence for either intervention-standardized prolonged discharge prescription forms plus education (5.4%; 95% CI - 6.4%, 17.2%) or education only (1.0%; 95% CI - 28.6%, 30.6%)-over and above the counterfactual trend; similarly, no change was observed in the control group (- 0.3%; 95% CI - 3.6%, 3.1%). During the intervention period, only 10.8% of patients in the intervention groups received ≥ 90 days, on average, for cardiac medications at their index fill. CONCLUSIONS: Recognizing intervention fidelity was low at the pharmacy level, and no statistically significant post-implementation differences in adherence were found, the trends in this study-coupled with other published retrospective analyses of administrative data-support further evaluation of this simple intervention to improve long-term adherence to cardiac medications. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov : NCT03257579 , registered June 16, 2017 Protocol available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33146624/ .

Impacts of two behavior change interventions on determinants of medication adherence: process evaluation applying the health action process approach and habit theory alongside a randomized controlled trial.

Investigating the mechanisms of behavior change interventions provides a more fulsome understanding of how and why interventions work (or don't work). We assessed mechanisms of two interventions (mailouts alone, and mailouts plus telephone support, informed by the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) and Habit Theory), designed to increase medication adherence after myocardial infarction. We conducted a process evaluation alongside a pragmatic trial. Medication adherence was assessed via self-report at 12-months in the trial, and participants in all trial groups were invited to contemporaneously complete an additional questionnaire assessing targeted mechanisms (HAPA constructs and automaticity). We used multiple regression-based mediation models to investigate indirect effects. Of 589 respondents, 497 were analyzed (92 excluded due to missing data). Mailouts plus telephone support had statistically significant but small effects on intention, social support, action planning, coping planning, and automaticity. There were no indirect effects of interventions on medication adherence via these constructs. Therefore, while this intervention led to changes in proposed mechanisms, these changes were not great enough to lead to behavior change. Refinements (and subsequent evaluation) of the interventions are warranted, and our findings indicate that this could involve offering more intensive support to form plans and identify cues for taking medications, in addition to providing physical supports to encourage self-monitoring, feedback, and habit formation. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02382731.

Resource Effective Strategies to Prevent and Treat Cardiovascular Disease.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of global deaths, with the majority occurring in low- and middle-income countries. The primary and secondary prevention of CVD is suboptimal throughout the world, but the evidence-practice gaps are much more pronounced in low- and middle-income countries. Barriers at the patient, healthcare provider, and health system level prevent the implementation of optimal primary and secondary prevention. Identification of the particular barriers that exist in resource-constrained settings is necessary to inform effective strategies to reduce the identified evidence-practice gaps. Furthermore, targeting modifiable factors that contribute most significantly to the global burden of CVD, including tobacco use, hypertension, and secondary prevention for CVD, will lead to the biggest gains in mortality reduction. We review a select number of novel, resource-efficient strategies to reduce premature mortality from CVD, including (1) effective measures for tobacco control, (2) implementation of simplified screening and management algorithms for those with or at risk of CVD, (3) increasing the availability and affordability of simplified and cost-effective treatment regimens including combination CVD preventive drug therapy, and (4) simplified delivery of healthcare through task-sharing (nonphysician health workers) and optimizing self-management (treatment supporters). Developing and deploying systems of care that address barriers related to the above will lead to substantial reductions in CVD and related mortality.

Interventions Supporting Long-term Adherence aNd Decreasing cardiovascular events (ISLAND): Pragmatic randomized trial protocol.

BACKGROUND: Guidelines recommend cardiac rehabilitation and long-term use of cardiac medications for most patients who have had a myocardial infarction (MI), but adherence to these secondary prevention treatments is suboptimal. METHODS: This is a multicenter, pragmatic, 3-arm randomized trial. Eligible patients (n = 2,742) with obstructive coronary artery disease are randomized post-MI to usual care or 1 of 2 intervention arms. Patients in the first intervention arm receive mail-outs sent on behalf of their cardiologist at 4, 8, 20, 32, and 44 weeks post-MI; content is designed to address determinants of adherence and facilitate discussion between the patient and their health care team. Patients in the second intervention arm receive mail-outs plus automated interactive voice response system telephone calls 2 weeks after each letter, as well as a telephone call by trained lay health workers if the interactive voice response system identifies challenges with adherence. Outcomes are assessed 12 months post-MI via patient self-report and administrative data sources. Co-primary outcomes are adherence to cardiac medications and completion of cardiac rehabilitation. Secondary outcomes include cardiovascular events and mortality. An embedded, theory-informed process evaluation will explore the mechanism of action; an economic evaluation is also planned. CONCLUSIONS: We describe a complete program evaluation of a highly pragmatic, health-system intervention to support adherence to recommended treatments. Research ethics boards approved waiver of consent for patients enrolled in the trial with provision of multiple opportunities to opt out and a debrief at the time of outcome assessment. The methods used here may provide a model for similar interventions.

Effective approaches to address the global cardiovascular disease burden.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Describe the global burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD), highlight barriers to evidence-based care and propose effective interventions based on identified barriers. RECENT FINDINGS: The global burden of CVD is increasing worldwide. This trend is steeper in lower income countries, where CVD incidence and fatality remains high. Risk factor control, around the world, remains poor, especially in lower and middle-income countries. Barriers at the patient, healthcare provider and health system have been identified. The use of multifaceted interventions that target identified contextual barriers to care, including increasing awareness of CVD and related risk, improving health policy (i.e. taxation of tobacco), improving the availability and affordability of fixed-dose combined medications and task-shifting of healthcare responsibilities are potential solutions to improve the global burden of CVD. SUMMARY: There is a need to address identified barriers using evidence-based and multifaceted interventions. Global initiatives, led by the World Heart Federation and the WHO, to facilitate the implementation of such interventions are underway.

Understanding the modifiable health systems barriers to hypertension management in Malaysia: a multi-method health systems appraisal approach.

BACKGROUND: The growing burden of non-communicable diseases in middle-income countries demands models of care that are appropriate to local contexts and acceptable to patients in order to be effective. We describe a multi-method health system appraisal to inform the design of an intervention that will be used in a cluster randomized controlled trial to improve hypertension control in Malaysia. METHODS: A health systems appraisal was undertaken in the capital, Kuala Lumpur, and poorer-resourced rural sites in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah. Building on two systematic reviews of barriers to hypertension control, a conceptual framework was developed that guided analysis of survey data, documentary review and semi-structured interviews with key informants, health professionals and patients. The analysis followed the patients as they move through the health system, exploring the main modifiable system-level barriers to effective hypertension management, and seeking to explain obstacles to improved access and health outcomes. RESULTS: The study highlighted the need for the proposed intervention to take account of how Malaysian patients seek treatment in both the public and private sectors, and from western and various traditional practitioners, with many patients choosing to seek care across different services. Patients typically choose private care if they can afford to, while others attend heavily subsidised public clinics. Public hypertension clinics are often overwhelmed by numbers of patients attending, so health workers have little time to engage effectively with patients. Treatment adherence is poor, with a widespread belief, stemming from concepts of traditional medicine, that hypertension is a transient disturbance rather than a permanent asymptomatic condition. Drug supplies can be erratic in rural areas. Hypertension awareness and education material are limited, and what exist are poorly developed and ineffective. CONCLUSION: Despite having a relatively well funded health system offering good access to care, Malaysia's health system still has significant barriers to effective hypertension management. DISCUSSION: The study uncovered major patient-related barriers to the detection and control of hypertension which will have an impact on the design and implementation of any hypertension intervention. Appropriate models of care must take account of the patient modifiable health systems barriers if they are to have any realistic chance of success; these findings are relevant to many countries seeking to effectively control hypertension despite resource constraints.

Combination pharmacotherapy to prevent cardiovascular disease: present status and challenges.

Combination pills containing aspirin, multiple blood pressure (BP) lowering drugs, and a statin have demonstrated safety, substantial risk factor reductions, and improved medication adherence in the prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The individual medications in combination pills are already recommended for use together in secondary CVD prevention. Therefore, current information on their pharmacokinetics, impact on the risk factors, and tolerability should be sufficient to persuade regulators and clinicians to use fixed-dose combination pills in high-risk individuals, such as in secondary prevention. Long-term use of these medicines, in a polypill or otherwise, is expected to reduce CVD risk by at least 50-60% in such groups. This risk reduction needs confirmation in prospective randomized trials for populations for whom concomitant use of the medications is not currently recommended (e.g. primary prevention). Given their additive benefits, the combined estimated relative risk reduction (RRR) in CVD from both lifestyle modification and a combination pill is expected to be 70-80%. The first of several barriers to the widespread use of combination therapy in CVD prevention is physician reluctance to use combination pills. This reluctance may originate from the belief that lifestyle modification should take precedence, and that medications should be introduced one drug at a time, instead of regarding combination pills and lifestyle modification as complementary and additive. Second, widespread availability of combination pills is also impeded by the reluctance of large pharmaceutical companies to invest in development of novel co-formulations of generic (or 'mature') drugs. A business model based on 'mass approaches' to drug production, packaging, marketing, and distribution could make the combination pill available at an affordable price, while at the same time providing a viable profit for the manufacturers. A third barrier is regulatory approval for novel multidrug combination pills, as there are few precedents for the approval of combination products with four or more components for CVD. Acceptance of combination therapy in other settings suggests that with concerted efforts by academics, international health agencies, research funding bodies, governments, regulators, and pharmaceutical manufacturers, combination pills for prevention of CVD in those with disease or at high risk (e.g. those with multiple risk factors) can be made available worldwide at affordable prices. It is anticipated that widespread use of combination pills with lifestyle modifications can lead to substantial risk reductions (as much as an 80% estimated RRR) in CVD. Heath care systems need to deploy these strategies widely, effectively, and efficiently. If implemented, these strategies could avoid several millions of fatal and non-fatal CVD events every year worldwide.

Relationship Between Social Support and Clinical Outcomes: An Evaluation of Participant-Nominated Treatment Supporters in the HOPE 4 Intervention.

BACKGROUND: The HOPE 4 trial (Heart Outcomes Prevention and Evaluation 4) investigated the effectiveness of a comprehensive, collaborative model of care, implemented in Colombia and Malaysia, which aimed to reduce cardiovascular disease risk in individuals with hypertension. One component of this intervention was the nomination of a treatment supporter, where participants could select a family member or friend to assist them with their care. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of these individuals on participant outcomes, as well as the relationship dynamics between participants and their treatment supporter. METHODS: Participants in the HOPE 4 intervention group with baseline and 12 months of follow-up were included for analysis. They were divided into Every Visit (n=339) and

"Comfort of Sitting at Home While Getting Information I Needed": Experiences of Cardiac Patients Attending Virtual Cardiac Rehabilitation.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, several health care services, including cardiac rehabilitation (CR), had to transition to virtual delivery, for which formal evaluations are lacking. In this pilot study, we investigated the implementation of a virtual CR program by surveying 30 patients attending virtual CR. Virtual CR was well received, although patients provided recommendations to improve delivery such as offering individual sessions and changing how education materials were delivered. Virtual delivery of CR likely has a role in health care, either independently or as part of a hybrid model; however, further evaluation is required.

En raison de la pandémie de COVID-19, plusieurs services de santé, comme la réadaptation cardiaque (RC), ont dû faire la transition vers le mode virtuel, pour lequel il manque d'évaluations formelles. Dans cette étude pilote, nous avons examiné la mise en œuvre d'un programme de RC virtuel en interrogeant 30 patients participant à un tel programme. La RC en mode virtuel a été accueillie favorablement, même si les patients ont formulé des recommandations pour en améliorer la prestation, comme offrir des séances individuelles et changer la façon dont le matériel éducatif est présenté. La prestation de la RC en mode virtuel a probablement un rôle à jouer dans les soins de santé, soit de manière indépendante, soit dans le cadre d'un modèle hybride; cependant, une évaluation plus poussée est requise.

Smartphone App for Prehospital ECG Transmission in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Activation: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Study.

BACKGROUND: Timely diagnosis and treatment for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) requires a coordinated response from multiple providers. Rapid intervention is key to reducing mortality and morbidity. Activation of the cardiac catheterization laboratory may occur through verbal communication and may also involve the secure sharing of electrocardiographic images between frontline health care providers and interventional cardiologists. To improve this response, we developed a quick, easy-to-use, privacy-compliant smartphone app, that is SMART AMI-ACS (Strategic Management of Acute Reperfusion and Therapies in Acute Myocardial Infarction Acute Coronary Syndromes), for real-time verbal communication and sharing of electrocardiographic images among health care providers in Ontario, Canada. The app further provides information about diagnosis, management, and risk calculators for patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to integrate the app into workflow processes to improve communication for STEMI activation, resulting in decreased treatment times, improved patient outcomes, and reduced unnecessary catheterization laboratory activation and transfer. METHODS: Implementation of the app will be guided by the Reach, Effectiveness, Acceptability, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework to measure impact. The study will use quantitative registry data already being collected through the SMART AMI project (STEMI registry), the use of the SMART AMI app, and quantitative and qualitative survey data from physicians. Survey questions will be based on the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Descriptive quantitative analysis and thematic qualitative analysis of survey results will be conducted. Continuous variables will be described using either mean and SD or median and IQR values at pre- and postintervention periods by the study sites. Categorical variables, such as false activation, will be described as frequencies (percentages). For each outcome, an interrupted time series regression model will be fitted to evaluate the impact of the app. RESULTS: The primary outcomes of this study include the usability, acceptability, and functionality of the app for physicians. This will be measured using electronic surveys to identify barriers and facilitators to app use. Other key outcomes will measure the implementation of the app by reviewing the timing-of-care intervals, false "avoidable" catheterization laboratory activation rates, and uptake and use of the app by physicians. Prospective evaluation will be conducted between April 1, 2022, and March 31, 2023. However, for the timing- and accuracy-of-care outcomes, registry data will be compared from January 1, 2019, to March 31, 2023. Data analysis is expected to be completed in Fall 2024, with the completion of a paper for publication anticipated by the end of 2024. CONCLUSIONS: Smartphone technology is well integrated into clinical practice and widely accessible. The proposed solution being tested is secure and leverages the accessibility of smartphones. Emergency medicine physicians can use this app to quickly, securely, and accurately transmit information ensuring faster and more appropriate decision-making for STEMI activation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05290389; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05290389. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/55506.

Centralized Triage of Suspected Coronary Artery Disease Using Coronary Computed Tomographic Angiography to Optimize the Diagnostic Yield of Invasive Angiography.

Background: Coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) is preferable to invasive coronary angiography (ICA) for coronary artery disease (CAD) diagnosis in elective patients without known CAD. Methods: We conducted a nonrandomized interventional study involving 2 tertiary care centres in Ontario. From July 2018 to February 2020, outpatients referred for elective ICA were identified through a centralized triage process and were recommended to undergo CCTA first instead of ICA. Patients with borderline or obstructive CAD on CCTA were recommended to undergo subsequent ICA. Intervention acceptability, fidelity, and effectiveness were assessed. Results: A total of 226 patients were screened, with 186 confirmed to be eligible, of whom 166 had patient and physician approval to proceed with CCTA (89% acceptability). Among consenting patients, 156 (94%) underwent CCTA first; 43 (28%) had borderline/obstructive CAD on CCTA, and only 1 with normal/nonobstructive CAD on CCTA was referred for subsequent ICA against protocol (99% fidelity). Overall, 119 of 156 CCTA-first patients did not have ICA within the following 90 days (i.e., 76% potentially avoided ICA, due to the intervention). Among the 36 who underwent ICA post-CCTA per protocol, 24 had obstructive CAD (66.7% diagnostic yield). If all patients who were referred for and underwent ICA at either centre between July 2016 and February 2020 (n = 694 pre-implementation; n = 333 post-implementation) had had CCTA first, an additional 42 patients per 100 would have had an obstructive CAD finding on their ICA (95% confidence interval = 26-59). Conclusion: A centralized triage process, in which elective outpatients referred for ICA are instead referred for CCTA first, appears to be acceptable and effective in diagnosing obstructive CAD and improving efficiencies in our healthcare system.

Contexte: La coronarographie par tomodensitométrie (coro-TDM) est préférable à la coronarographie invasive chez les patients sans coronaropathie connue chez qui le diagnostic d'une coronaropathie n'est pas urgent. Méthodologie: Nous avons réalisé une étude interventionnelle non randomisée dans deux centres de soins tertiaires en Ontario. Les patients ambulatoires pour qui une coronarographie invasive non urgente a été demandée entre juillet 2018 et février 2020 ont été recensés par un processus centralisé de triage et se sont fait recommander de subir d'abord une coro-TDM. Les patients qui présentaient une co-ronaropathie obstructive ou dont les résultats se trouvaient tout juste à la limite de ce diagnostic lors de la coro-TDM se faisaient recommander une coronarographie invasive subséquente. L'acceptabilité de l'intervention, sa fidélité et son efficacité ont été évaluées. Résultats: Au total, 226 patients ont été sélectionnés et 186 ont été jugés admissibles. Parmi ces derniers, 166 ont accepté de subir la coro-TDM recommandée par le médecin (acceptabilité de 89 %). Parmi les patients ayant donné leur consentement, 156 (94 %) se sont d'abord soumis à une coro-TDM, et 43 (28 %) présentaient une coronaropathie obstructive ou des résultats limites selon cet examen. Seulement un patient ne présentant pas de coronaropathie ou présentant une coronaropathie non obstructive à la coro-TDM a été orienté vers une coronarographie invasive subséquente, contrairement au protocole (fidélité de 99 %). En tout, 119 des 156 patients s'étant d'abord soumis à une coro-TDM n'ont pas eu à subir une coronarographie invasive dans les 90 jours suivants (76 % d'entre eux ont potentiellement évité une coronarographie invasive grâce à cette première intervention). Parmi les 36 patients qui ont subi une coronarographie invasive après la coro-TDM, comme le recommandait le protocole, 24 présentaient une coronaropathie obstructive (rendement diagnostique de 66,7 %). Si tous les patients qui ont été orientés vers une coronarographie invasive et qui se sont soumis à cet examen dans l'un ou l'autre des centres entre juillet 2016 et février 2020 (n = 694 avant l'instauration; n = 333 après l'instauration) avaient d'abord passé une coro-TDM, une coronaropathie obstructive aurait été décelée lors de la coronarographie invasive chez 42 patients de plus par tranche de 100 patients (intervalle de confiance à 95 % : 26 à 59). Conclusion: Le recours à un processus de triage centralisé permettant de faire d'abord passer une coro-TDM aux patients ambulatoires dans une situation non urgente qui doivent subir une coronarographie invasive semble être un moyen acceptable et efficace de diagnostiquer la coronaropathie obstructive et d'améliorer l'efficacité dans notre système de santé.

Before the door: Comparing factors affecting symptom onset to first medical contact for STEMI patients between a high and low-middle income country.

Background: Early reperfusion in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has been associated with preservation of left ventricular function and decrease in mortality. Symptom onset to first medical contact (FMC) time consumes the majority of total ischemic time, and remains one of the main reasons that patients do not receive timely care. With FMC to reperfusion time being effectively reduced in many parts of the world, the focus is now shifting to reducing symptom onset to FMC times. Methods: This mixed-methods observational study was designed to elucidate factors affecting symptom onset to FMC time at a regional cardiac center in a low-middle income country (LMIC) and a high-income country (HIC). A review of the Aswan Heart Center and Hamilton General Hospital STEMI registry in Egypt and Canada was conducted, and retrospective semi-structured questionnaires carried out for a convenience sample of 158 patients. Results: Gender, symptom type and severity were none-modifiable factors found between early and late presenters. Modifiable factors found were actions of bystanders, actions of patients, transportation method and time. Emotional factors also showed differences between the two groups. Conclusion: While some concepts are generalizable, contextual differences in demographics, risk factors, access and knowledge are identified. These factors can be used to inform tailored knowledge translation strategies to help reduce symptom onset to FMC in both LMIC and HIC.

A machine learning-based clinical decision support algorithm for reducing unnecessary coronary angiograms.

Background: Conventional clinical risk scores and diagnostic algorithms are proving to be suboptimal in the prediction of obstructive coronary artery disease, contributing to the low diagnostic yield of invasive angiography. Machine learning could help better predict which patients would benefit from invasive angiography vs other noninvasive diagnostic modalities. Objective: To reduce patient risk and cost to the healthcare system by improving the diagnostic yield of invasive coronary angiography through optimized outpatient selection. Methods: Retrospective analysis of 12 years of referral data from a provincial cardiac registry, including all patients referred for invasive angiography of more than 1.4 million individuals in Ontario, Canada. Stable outpatients undergoing coronary angiography during the study period were included in the analysis. The training set (80% random sample, n = 23,750) was used to develop 8 prediction models in Python using grid-search cross-validation. The test set (20% random sample, n = 5938), evaluated the discrimination performance of each model. Results: The machine-learning model achieved a substantially better performance (area under the receiver operating characteristics curve: 0.81) than existing models for predicting obstructive coronary artery disease in patients referred for invasive angiography. It significantly outperformed both the reference model and current clinical practice with a net reclassification index of 27.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: [24.9%-30.8%], P value <.01) and 44.7% (95% CI: [42.4%-47.0%], P value <.01), respectively. Conclusion: This prediction model, when coupled with a point-of-care, online decision support tool to be used by referring physicians, could improve the diagnostic yield of invasive coronary angiography in stable, elective outpatients, thus improving patient safety and reducing healthcare costs.

Patient and physician perspectives on the use and outcome measures of mHealth apps: Exploratory survey and focus group study.

Objective: Factors that physicians and patients consider when making decisions about using or recommending health apps are not well understood. We explored these factors to better assess how to support such decision making. Methods: We conducted an exploratory cross-sectional study in Ontario using qualitative focus groups and quantitative surveys. 133 physicians and 94 community dwelling adults completed online surveys and we held two focus groups of nine community dwelling participants who had cardiovascular risk factors and an interest in using mHealth apps. Quantitative survey data was analyzed descriptively. Focus groups were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim prior to inductive thematic content analysis. We integrated the results from the surveys and focus groups to understand factors that influence physicians' and patients' selection and use of such apps. Results: Physicians recommend apps to patients but the level of evidence they prefer to use to guide selection did not align with what they were currently using. Patients trusted recommendations and reviews from medical organizations and healthcare professionals when selecting apps and were motivated to continue using apps when they supported goal setting and tracking, data sharing, decision making, and empowerment. Conclusions: The findings highlight the significance of evaluating mHealth apps based on metrics that patients and physicians value beyond usage and clinical outcome data. Patients engage with apps that support them in confidently managing their health. Increased training and awareness of apps and creating a more rigorous evidence base showing the value of apps to supporting health goals will support greater adoption and acceptance of mHealth apps.

Immigrants, Ethnicity, and Adherence to Secondary Cardiac Prevention Therapy: A Substudy of the ISLAND Trial.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to evaluate adherence to guideline-recommended cardiac secondary prevention therapies by immigration and ethnicity. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective substudy of the Interventions Supporting Long-Term Adherence and Decreasing Cardiovascular Events (ISLAND) randomized controlled trial. A cohort of 1642 participants was analyzed. Patients were categorized based on their self-reported immigrant status as being Canadian or foreign born and based on their visual minority status (as European or a visual minority). We used logistic regression to examine associations between these patient characteristics of interest and patient adherence to statin medication 1 year after myocardial infarction (MI) and completion of cardiac rehabilitation, adjusting for age, sex, and comorbidities. RESULTS: The dataset included outcome data on 1049 (64%) Canadian-born patients and 593 (36%) immigrants. There were 347 (21%) who identified as a visual minority. We report a nonsignificant trend in statin adherence 1 year after MI favouring foreign-born participants compared with Canadian-born participants (odds ratio [OR], 1.26; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.91-1.68). Visual minorities were found to have no significant difference in statin adherence 1 year after MI compared with participants of European ethnicity (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.72-1.51). Neither immigration status (OR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.72-1.15) nor visual minority status (OR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.73-1.28) were associated with cardiac rehabilitation completion. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings offer limited support that immigrants with > 10 years of Canadian residency exposure experience greater adherence to statins 1 year after MI. Further research is required to better inform our understanding of secondary prevention strategy among immigrant populations.

CONTEXTE: L'objectif de cette étude était d'évaluer l'adhésion aux traitements recommandés dans les lignes directrices pour la prévention secondaire des maladies cardiaques, selon le statut d'immigrant et l'origine ethnique. MÉTHODOLOGIE: Nous avons effectué une sous-étude rétrospective de l'essai contrôlé à répartition aléatoire ISLAND ( I nterventions S upporting L ong-Term A dherence and D ecreasing Cardiovascular Events). Une cohorte de 1 642 participants a été analysée. Les patients ont été classés en catégories basées sur leur statut autodéclaré d'immigrant (personne née au Canada ou à l'étranger) ou de minorité visible (origine européenne ou minorité visible). En utilisant un modèle de régression logistique, nous avons examiné les corrélations entre ces caractéristiques d'intérêt des patients et l'adhésion des patients au traitement médicamenteux par des statines un an après un infarctus du myocarde (IM) de même que l'utilisation de la réadaptation cardiaque, après ajustements selon l'âge, le sexe et les maladies concomitantes. RÉSULTATS: L'ensemble de données comprenait des données sur les résultats obtenus chez 1 049 (64 %) patients nés au Canada et 593 (36 %) immigrants. De ce nombre, 347 (21 %) s'étaient identifiés comme étant des membres d'une minorité visible. Pour l'adhésion aux statines un an après un IM, nous avons observé une tendance non significative en faveur des participants nés à l'étranger comparativement aux participants nés au Canada (rapport de cotes [RC] = 1,26; intervalle de confiance [IC] à 95 % : 0,91-1,68). Aucune différence significative quant à l'adhésion au traitement par des statines un an après un IM n'a été constatée entre les minorités visibles et les participants d'origine européenne (RC = 1,04; IC à 95 % : 0,72-1,51). Ni le statut d'immigrant (RC = 0,91; IC à 95 % : 0,72-1,15) ni le statut de minorité visible (RC = 0,97; IC à 95 % : 0,73-1,28) n'ont été associés à l'utilisation de la réadaptation cardiaque. CONCLUSIONS: Nos résultats montrent, de façon limitée, que l'adhésion au traitement par des statines un an après un IM est meilleure chez les immigrants qui vivent au Canada depuis plus de dix ans. D'autres recherches sont nécessaires pour améliorer nos connaissances sur les stratégies de prévention secondaire auprès des populations d'immigrants.

Antithrombotic Therapy After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: Findings From the CONNECT AF+PCI Study.

BACKGROUND: In patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), selecting an antithrombotic regimen requires balancing risks of ischemic cardiac events, stroke, and bleeding. METHODS: We studied 467 patients with AF undergoing PCI in the time period from December 2015 to July 2018 identified via a chart audit by 47 Canadian cardiologists in the CONNECT AF+PCI (the Coordinated National Network to Engage Interventional Cardiologists in the Antithrombotic Treatment of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention) study, to determine patterns of initial antithrombotic therapy selection. RESULTS: The median (25th, 75th percentile) CHADS2 score was 2 (1, 3), and PCI was performed in the setting of acute coronary syndrome in 62.1%. Triple antithrombotic therapy (TAT) was the initial treatment in 62.7%, dual-pathway therapy in 25.7%, and dual antiplatelet therapy in 11.6%, with a temporal increase in use of dual-pathway therapy during the course of the study; median intended TAT duration was 1 (1, 3) month. Compared with patients selected for TAT, patients selected for dual-pathway therapy were less likely to have prior myocardial infarction (35.8% vs 25.8%, P = 0.045) and prior PCI (33.8% vs 23.3%, P = 0.03), and they received shorter total length of stents (38 [23, 56] vs 30 [20, 46] mm, P = 0.03). Patients selected for dual-pathway therapy had a higher prevalence of prior stroke/transient ischemic attack (13.0% vs 23.3%, P = 0.01). There was no difference in prevalence of anemia (21.5% vs 25.8%, P = 0.30). Use of dual-pathway therapy was similar among patients with acute coronary syndrome and those with stable disease (24.1% vs 28.2%, P = 0.32). CONCLUSIONS: Approximately one-quarter of AF patients undergoing PCI are treated with dual-pathway therapy in Canadian practice, with its use increasing during the studied period. Patients selected for dual-pathway therapy have less-complex coronary disease history and intervention.

INTRODUCTION: Les patients atteints de fibrillation auriculaire (FA) qui subissent une intervention coronarienne percutanée (ICP) et choisissent un schéma posologique antithrombotique ont besoin de peser les risques d'événements cardiaques d'origine ischémique, d'accidents vasculaires cérébraux et d'hémorragies. MÉTHODES: Les 467 patients atteints de FA ayant subi une ICP de décembre 2015 à juillet 2018 qui ont fait l'objet de notre étude ont été trouvés lors de la vérification des dossiers par 47 cardiologues canadiens de l'étude CONNECT AF+PCI ( Co ordinated N ational N etwork to E ngage Interventional C ardiologists in the Antithrombotic T reatment of Patients With A trial F ibrillation Undergoing P ercutaneous C oronary I ntervention) pour déterminer les schémas de sélection du traitement antithrombotique initial. RÉSULTATS: Le score CHADS2 médian (25e, 75e percentile) était de 2 (1, 3), et l'ICP avait été réalisée dans le cadre du syndrome coronarien aigu chez 62,1 % des patients. La trithérapie antithrombotique (TTA) était le traitement initial chez 62,7 % des patients, la bithérapie, chez 25,7 % des patients, et la bithérapie antiplaquettaire, chez 11,6 % des patients, mais il y avait une augmentation temporelle dans l'utilisation de la bithérapie durant l'étude; la durée médiane prévue de la TTA était de 1 (1, 3) mois. Comparativement aux patients sélectionnés pour la TTA, les patients sélectionnés pour la bithérapie étaient moins susceptibles d'avoir eu un infarctus du myocarde précédent (35,8 % vs 25,8 %, P = 0,045) et une ICP précédente (33,8 % vs 23,3 %, P = 0,03), et recevaient des endoprothèses de longueur totale plus courte (38 [23, 56] vs 30 [20, 46] mm, P = 0,03). Les patients sélectionnés pour la bithérapie montraient une prévalence plus élevée d'accidents vasculaires cérébraux/accidents ischémiques transitoires (13,0 % vs 23,3 %, P = 0,01). Il n'existait aucune différence dans la prévalence de l'anémie (21,5 % vs 25,8 %, P = 0,30). L'utilisation de la bithérapie était similaire chez les patients atteints d'un syndrome coronarien aigu et chez les patients dont la maladie était stable (24,1 % vs 28,2 %, P = 0,32). CONCLUSIONS: Dans la pratique canadienne, environ le quart des patients atteints de FA qui subissent une ICP sont traités par bithérapie, mais durant la période étudiée, son utilisation avait augmenté. Les patients sélectionnés pour la bithérapie ont des antécédents et des interventions liées aux maladies coronariennes moins complexes.

How and why a multifaceted intervention to improve adherence post-MI worked for some (and could work better for others): an outcome-driven qualitative process evaluation.

OBJECTIVES: To explore (1) the extent to which a multicomponent intervention addressed determinants of the desired behaviours (ie, adherence to cardiac rehabilitation (CR) and cardiovascular medications), (2) the associated mechanism(s) of action and (3) how future interventions might be better designed to meet the needs of this patient population. DESIGN: A qualitative evaluation embedded within a multicentre randomised trial, involving purposive semistructured interviews. SETTING: Nine cardiac centres in Ontario, Canada. PARTICIPANTS: Potential participants were stratified according to the trial's primary outcomes of engagement and adherence, resulting in three groups: (1) engaged, adherence outcome positive, (2) engaged, adherence outcome negative and (3) did not engage, adherence outcome negative. Participants who did not engage but had positive adherence outcomes were excluded. Individual domains of the Theoretical Domains Framework were applied as deductive codes and findings were analysed using a framework approach. RESULTS: Thirty-one participants were interviewed. Participants who were engaged with positive adherence outcomes attributed their success to the intervention's ability to activate determinants including behavioural regulation and knowledge, which encouraged an increase in self-monitoring behaviour and awareness of available supports, as well as reinforcement and social influences. The behaviour of those with negative adherence outcomes was driven by beliefs about consequences, emotions and identity. As currently designed, the intervention failed to target these determinants for this subset of participants, resulting in partial engagement and poor adherence outcomes. CONCLUSION: The intervention facilitated CR adherence through reinforcement, behavioural regulation, the provision of knowledge and social influence. To reach a broader and more diverse population, future iterations of the intervention should target aberrant beliefs about consequences, memory and decision-making and emotion. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ClinicalTrials.gov registry; NCT02382731.

Antiplatelet therapy and coronary artery bypass grafting: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) monotherapy is the standard of care after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), but the benefits of more intense antiplatelet therapy, specifically dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT), require further exploration in CABG patients. We performed a network meta-analysis to compare the effects of various antiplatelet regimens on saphenous vein graft patency, mortality, major adverse cardiovascular events and bleeding among CABG patients. METHODS: We searched Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval Systems Online, Excerpta Medica Database, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, American College of Physicians Journal Club and conference proceedings for randomized controlled trials. Screening, data extraction, risk of bias assessment and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation were performed in duplicate. We conducted a random effect Bayesian network meta-analysis including both direct and indirect comparisons. RESULTS: We included 43 randomized controlled trials studying 15 511 patients. DAPT with low-dose ASA and ticagrelor [odds ratio (OR) 2.53, 95% credible interval (CrI) 1.35-4.72; I2 = 55; low certainty] or clopidogrel (OR 1.56, 95% CrI 1.02-2.39; I2 = 55; very low certainty) improved saphenous vein graft patency when compared to low-dose ASA monotherapy. DAPT with low-dose ASA and ticagrelor was associated with lower mortality (OR 0.52, 95% CrI 0.30-0.87; I2 = 14; high certainty) and lower major adverse cardiovascular events (OR 0.63, 95% CrI 0.44-0.91; I2 = 0; high certainty) when compared to low-dose ASA monotherapy. Based on moderate certainty evidence, DAPT was associated with an increase in major bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that DAPT improves saphenous vein graft patency, mortality and major adverse cardiovascular event. As such, surgeons and physicians should consider re-initiating DAPT for acute coronary syndrome patients after their CABG, at the expense of an increased risk for major bleeding. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews ID Number CRD42019127695.

Length of Initial Prescription at Hospital Discharge and Long-Term Medication Adherence for Elderly, Post-Myocardial Infarction Patients: Protocol for an Interrupted Time Series Study.

BACKGROUND: Based on high-quality evidence, guidelines recommend the long-term use of secondary prevention medications post-myocardial infarction (MI) to avoid recurrent cardiovascular events and death. Unfortunately, discontinuation of recommended medications post-MI is common. Observational evidence suggests that prescriptions covering a longer duration at discharge from hospital are associated with greater long-term medication adherence. The following is a proposal for the first interventional study to evaluate the impact of longer prescription duration at discharge post-MI on long-term medication adherence. OBJECTIVE: The overarching goal of this study is to reduce morbidity and mortality among post-MI patients through improved long-term cardiac medication adherence. The specific objectives include the following. First, we will assess whether long-term cardiac medication adherence improves among elderly, post-MI patients following the implementation of (1) standardized discharge prescription forms with 90-day prescriptions and 3 repeats for recommended cardiac medication classes, in combination with education and (2) education alone compared to (3) usual care. Second, we will assess the cost implications of prolonged initial discharge prescriptions compared with usual care. Third, we will compare clinical outcomes between longer (>60 days) versus shorter prescription durations. Fourth, we will collect baseline information to inform a multicenter interventional study. METHODS: We will conduct a quasiexperimental, interrupted time series design to evaluate the impact of a multifaceted intervention to implement longer duration prescriptions versus usual care on long-term cardiac medication adherence among post-MI patients. Intervention groups and their corresponding settings include: (1) intervention group 1: 1 cardiac center and 1 noncardiac hospital allocated to receive standardized discharge prescription forms supporting the dispensation of 90 days' worth of cardiac medications with 3 repeats, coupled with education; (2) intervention group 2: 4 sites (including 1 cardiac center) allocated to receive education only; and (3) control group: all remaining hospitals within the province that did not receive an intervention (ie, usual care). Administrative databases will be used to measure all outcomes. Adherence to 4 classes of cardiac medications - statins, beta blockers, angiotensin system inhibitors, and secondary antiplatelets (ie, prasugrel, clopidogrel, or ticagrelor) - will be assessed. RESULTS: Enrollment began in September 2017, and results are expected to be analyzed in late 2020. CONCLUSIONS: The results have the potential to redefine best practices regarding discharge prescribing policies for patients post-MI. A policy of standardized maximum-duration prescriptions at the time of discharge post-MI is a simple intervention that has the potential to significantly improve long-term medication adherence, thus decreasing cardiac morbidity and mortality. If effective, this low-cost intervention to implement longer duration prescriptions post-MI could be easily scaled. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03257579; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03257579. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/18981.

Interventions supporting cardiac rehabilitation completion: Process evaluation investigating theory-based mechanisms of action.

OBJECTIVE: A randomized trial informed by the Health Action Process Approach evaluated interventions to improve cardiac rehabilitation completion following myocardial infarction. We investigated indirect effects of the interventions on completion via targeted constructs. METHODS: In this theory-based process evaluation, participants in all 3 trial arms (usual care; mailouts; mailouts plus telephone support) completed a questionnaire 12 months after their myocardial infarction assessing intention, goal priority, outcome expectancies, risk perception, self-efficacy, social support, action planning, and coping planning. Consecutive sampling was used until the target sample size (167 per trial arm) was met. Cardiac rehabilitation completion was self-reported at the same time point. We used multiple regression mediation models to explore indirect effects. RESULTS: In total, 594 participants completed the cardiac rehabilitation questionnaire; 588 were analyzed (6 excluded due to missing data). For mailouts alone, there were no significant indirect effects. There were small indirect effects of mailouts plus telephone support on intention via goal priority, outcome expectancies, and self-efficacy, with a negative effect via severity risk perception. There were also small indirect effects on cardiac rehabilitation completion via self-efficacy and action planning. CONCLUSIONS: Findings help explain the trial results, suggesting that mailouts plus telephone support increased the likelihood of completing cardiac rehabilitation by enhancing self-efficacy and action planning, and increased intention by enhancing goal priority, self-efficacy, and outcome expectancies, with an unintended consequence of a negative effect via risk perceptions. Conducting theory-based process evaluations alongside trials of behavior change interventions can clarify mechanisms of action, which can inform efforts to refine interventions and to replicate and generalize findings to other jurisdictions. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).