Data-driven collaborative QUality improvement in Cardiac Rehabilitation (QUICR) to increase program completion: protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of deaths and disability worldwide. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) effectively reduces the risk of future cardiac events and is strongly recommended in international clinical guidelines. However, CR program quality is highly variable with divergent data systems, which, when combined, potentially contribute to persistently low completion rates. The QUality Improvement in Cardiac Rehabilitation (QUICR) trial aims to determine whether a data-driven collaborative quality improvement intervention delivered at the program level over 12 months: (1) increases CR program completion in eligible patients with CHD (primary outcome), (2) reduces hospital admissions, emergency department presentations and deaths, and costs, (3) improves the proportion of patients receiving guideline-indicated CR according to national and international benchmarks, and (4) is feasible and sustainable for CR staff to implement routinely. METHODS: QUICR is a multi-centre, type-2, hybrid effectiveness-implementation cluster-randomized controlled trial (cRCT) with 12-month follow-up. Eligible CR programs (n = 40) and the individual patient data within them (n ~ 2,000) recruited from two Australian states (New South Wales and Victoria) are randomized 1:1 to the intervention (collaborative quality improvement intervention that uses data to identify and manage gaps in care) or control (usual care with data collection only). This sample size is required to achieve 80% power to detect a difference in completion rate of 22%. Outcomes will be assessed using intention-to-treat principles. Mixed-effects linear and logistic regression models accounting for clusters within allocated groupings will be applied to analyse primary and secondary outcomes. DISCUSSION: Addressing poor participation in CR by patients with CHD has been a longstanding challenge that needs innovative strategies to change the status-quo. This trial will harness the collaborative power of CR programs working simultaneously on common problem areas and using local data to drive performance. The use of data linkage for collection of outcomes offers an efficient way to evaluate this intervention and support the improvement of health service delivery. ETHICS: Primary ethical approval was obtained from the Northern Sydney Local Health District Human Research Ethics Committee (2023/ETH01093), along with site-specific governance approvals. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) ACTRN12623001239651 (30/11/2023) ( https://anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=386540&isReview=true ).

Mobile phone text messaging for medication adherence in secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death globally, accounting for almost 18 million deaths annually. People with CVDs have a five times greater chance of suffering a recurrent cardiovascular event than people without known CVDs. Although drug interventions have been shown to be cost-effective in reducing the risk of recurrent cardiovascular events, adherence to medication remains suboptimal. As a scalable and cost-effective approach, mobile phone text messaging presents an opportunity to convey health information, deliver electronic reminders, and encourage behaviour change. However, it is uncertain whether text messaging can improve medication adherence and clinical outcomes. This is an update of a Cochrane review published in 2017. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the benefits and harms of mobile phone text messaging for improving medication adherence in people with CVDs compared to usual care. SEARCH METHODS: We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, four other databases, and two trial registers. We also checked the reference lists of all primary included studies and relevant systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The date of the latest search was 30 August 2023. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with participants with established arterial occlusive events. We included trials investigating interventions using short message service (SMS) or multimedia messaging service (MMS) with the aim of improving adherence to medication for the secondary prevention of cardiovascular events. The comparator was usual care. We excluded cluster-RCTs and quasi-RCTs. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard Cochrane methods. Our primary outcomes were medication adherence, fatal cardiovascular events, non-fatal cardiovascular events, and combined CVD event. Secondary outcomes were low-density lipoprotein cholesterol for the effect of statins, blood pressure for antihypertensive drugs, heart rate for the effect of beta-blockers, urinary 11-dehydrothromboxane B2 for the antiplatelet effects of aspirin, adverse effects, and patient-reported experience. We used GRADE to assess the certainty of the evidence for each outcome. MAIN RESULTS: We included 18 RCTs involving a total of 8136 participants with CVDs. We identified 11 new studies in the review update and seven studies in the previous version of the review. Participants had various CVDs including acute coronary syndrome, coronary heart disease, stroke, myocardial infarction, and angina. All studies were conducted in middle- and high-income countries, with no studies conducted in low-income countries. The mean age of participants was 53 to 64 years. Participants were recruited from hospitals or cardiac rehabilitation facilities. Follow-up ranged from one to 12 months. There was variation in the characteristics of text messages amongst studies (e.g. delivery method, frequency, theoretical grounding, content used, personalisation, and directionality). The content of text messages varied across studies, but generally included medication reminders and healthy lifestyle information such as diet, physical activity, and weight loss. Text messages offered advice, motivation, social support, and health education to promote behaviour changes and regular medication-taking. We assessed risk of bias for all studies as high, as all studies had at least one domain at unclear or high risk of bias. Medication adherence Due to different evaluation score systems and inconsistent definitions applied for the measurement of medication adherence, we did not conduct meta-analysis for medication adherence. Ten out of 18 studies showed a beneficial effect of mobile phone text messaging for medication adherence compared to usual care, whereas the other eight studies showed either a reduction or no difference in medication adherence with text messaging compared to usual care. Overall, the evidence is very uncertain about the effects of mobile phone text messaging for medication adherence when compared to usual care. Fatal cardiovascular events Text messaging may have little to no effect on fatal cardiovascular events compared to usual care (odds ratio 0.83, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.47 to 1.45; 4 studies, 1654 participants; low-certainty evidence). Non-fatal cardiovascular events We found very low-certainty evidence that text messaging may have little to no effect on non-fatal cardiovascular events. Two studies reported non-fatal cardiovascular events, neither of which found evidence of a difference between groups. Combined CVD events We found very low-certainty evidence that text messaging may have little to no effect on combined CVD events. Only one study reported combined CVD events, and did not find evidence of a difference between groups. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol Text messaging may have little to no effect on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol compared to usual care (mean difference (MD) -1.79 mg/dL, 95% CI -4.71 to 1.12; 8 studies, 4983 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Blood pressure Text messaging may have little to no effect on systolic blood pressure (MD -0.93 mmHg, 95% CI -3.55 to 1.69; 8 studies, 5173 participants; very low-certainty evidence) and diastolic blood pressure (MD -1.00 mmHg, 95% CI -2.49 to 0.50; 5 studies, 3137 participants; very low-certainty evidence) when compared to usual care. Heart rate Text messaging may have little to no effect on heart rate compared to usual care (MD -0.46 beats per minute, 95% CI -1.74 to 0.82; 4 studies, 2946 participants; very low-certainty evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Due to limited evidence, we are uncertain if text messaging reduces medication adherence, fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events, and combined cardiovascular events in people with cardiovascular diseases when compared to usual care. Furthermore, text messaging may result in little or no effect on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, blood pressure, and heart rate compared to usual care. The included studies were of low methodological quality, and no studies assessed the effects of text messaging in low-income countries or beyond the 12-month follow-up. Long-term and high-quality randomised trials are needed, particularly in low-income countries.

The Triple E project: a factorial randomised controlled trial to enhance engagement with eHealth approaches to improve health risk behaviours among adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Digital, or eHealth, interventions are highly promising approaches to help adolescents improve their health behaviours and reduce their risk of chronic disease. However, they often have low uptake and retention. There is also a paucity of high-quality research into the predictors of eHealth engagement, and a lack of studies that have systematically evaluated existing engagement strategies in adolescent populations. This paper describes the protocol for a randomised controlled trial which primarily aims to assess the effectiveness of different strategies in increasing engagement with a healthy lifestyles app, Health4Life. Associations between the engagement strategies and improvements in adolescent health behaviours (healthy eating, physical activity, sleep, recreational screen time, smoking, alcohol use) will also be examined, along with potential predictors of adolescents' intentions to use health apps and their use of the Health4Life app. METHODS: The current study will aim to recruit 336 adolescent and parent/guardian dyads (total sample N = 672) primarily through Australia wide online advertising. All adolescent participants will have access to the Health4Life app (a multiple health behaviour change, self-monitoring mobile app). The trial will employ a 24 factorial design, where participants will be randomly allocated to receive 1 of 16 different combinations of the four engagement strategies to be evaluated: text messages, access to a health coach, access to additional gamified app content, and provision of parent/guardian information resources. Adolescents and parents/guardians will both complete consent processes, baseline assessments, and a follow-up assessment after 3 months. All participants will also be invited to complete a qualitative interview shortly after follow-up. The primary outcome, app engagement, will be assessed via an App Engagement Index (Ei) using data collected in the Health4Life app and the Mobile App Rating Scale - User version. DISCUSSION: This research will contribute significantly to building our understanding of the types of strategies that are most effective in increasing adolescents' engagement with health apps and which factors may predict adolescents' use of health apps. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial is registered at the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12623000399695). Date registered: 19/04/2023.

Characteristics and Outcomes of Cardiac Rehabilitation Patients With and Without Cancer: Insights From Western Sydney.

AIM: Increased cardiovascular events are common in cancer survivors and contribute to an emerging cardio-oncology patient group requiring secondary prevention strategies including cardiac rehabilitation (CR). This study aimed to compare characteristics and outcomes for patients participating in CR with and without an existing cancer diagnosis. METHOD: Observational cohort study including consecutive patients enrolled in a single-centre outpatient CR program in Western Sydney between 2018-2022. Clinical history, demographics and CR outcome data were collected as part of standard care at program enrolment and completion. Patients with and without a cancer diagnosis were compared at enrolment and outcomes were analysed in both groups. RESULTS: A total of 1,792 patients enrolled in CR, 191 (11%) had a documented history of cancer; prostate (18%), skin (12%), colon (9%) and breast (8%) malignancies were most prevalent. The most common treatments were surgical resection (80%) and chemotherapy or radiotherapy (37%). Cardio-oncology patients were older (68.8±10.6 vs 59.8±13.7yrs, p<0.001), more likely female (33% vs 21%, p<0.001), born in Australia (46% vs 35%, p=0.004), non-partnered (34% vs 25%, p=0.002) and had a prior history of hypertension (65% vs 56%, p=0.010) or stroke (8% vs 5%, p=0.045). After adjusting for age and sex, the overall cohort improved their mean peak exercise capacity and waist circumference after CR, however there were no differences between groups. There were also no between-group differences for adherence and completion of CR program or any other cardiovascular risk factors. Sub-analyses revealed a clinically meaningful improvement in waist circumference for cancer patients with a history of radiation therapy and a blunted peak exercise capacity adaptation for those with a history of chemotherapy treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Despite differences in demographic and clinical characteristics of CR patients with and without cancer, all patients showed significant and clinically relevant improvements in peak exercise capacity and waist circumference after CR. Results also highlighted potential associations between specific cancer treatments and changes in fitness outcomes, which warrants further evaluation.

Sex- and Age-Specific Differences in Risk Profiles and Early Outcomes in Adults With Acute Coronary Syndromes.

BACKGROUND: Adults <55 years of age comprise a quarter of all acute coronary syndromes (ACS) hospitalisations. There is a paucity of data characterising this group, particularly sex differences. This study aimed to compare the clinical and risk profile of patients with ACS aged <55 years with older counterparts, and measure short-term outcomes by age and sex. METHOD: The study population comprised patients with ACS enrolled in the AUS-Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE), Cooperative National Registry of Acute Coronary Syndrome Care (CONCORDANCE) and SNAPSHOT ACS registries. We compared clinical features and combinations of major modifiable risk factors (hypertension, smoking, dyslipidaemia, and diabetes) by sex and age group (20-54, 55-74, 75-94 years). All-cause mortality and major adverse events were identified in-hospital and at 6-months. RESULTS: There were 16,658 patients included (22.3% aged 20-54 years). Among them, 20-54 year olds had the highest proportion of ST-elevation myocardial infarction compared with sex-matched older age groups. Half of 20-54 year olds were current smokers, compared with a quarter of 55-74 year olds, and had the highest prevalence of no major modifiable risk factors (14.2% women, 12.7% men) and of single risk factors (27.6% women, 29.0% men), driven by smoking. Conversely, this age group had the highest proportion of all four modifiable risk factors (6.6% women, 4.7% men). Mortality at 6 months in 20-54 year olds was similar between men (2.3%) and women (1.7%), although lower than in older age groups. CONCLUSIONS: Younger adults with ACS are more likely to have either no risk factor, a single risk factor, or all four modifiable risk factors, than older patients. Targeted risk factor prevention and management is warranted in this age group.

Utilisation of Chronic Disease and Mental Health Management Services and Cardioprotective Medication Prescriptions in Primary Care for Patients With Cardiovascular Diseases and Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among cancer survivors. Mental health is considered an important risk factor affecting the treatment of cardiovascular disease. However, little is known about the use of secondary prevention strategies for CVD in patients with both cancer and CVD. This study aimed to compare the utilisation of primary care chronic disease management plans, mental health care and guideline-indicated cardioprotective medications among CVD patients with and without cancer. METHODS: Retrospective cross-sectional study utilising clinical data of patients with CVD from 50 Australian primary care practices. Outcomes included the use of chronic disease management plans, mental health care, guideline-indicated cardioprotective medications and influenza vaccination. Logistic regression, accounting for demographic and clinical covariates and clustering effects by practices, was used to compare the two groups. RESULTS: Of the 15,040 patients with CVD, 1,486 patients (9.9%) concurrently had cancer. Patients with cancer, compared to those without, were older (77.6 vs 71.8 years, p<0.001), more likely to drink alcohol (62.6% vs 55.7%, p<0.001), have lower systolic (130.3±17.8 vs 132.5±21.1 mmHg, p<0.001) and diastolic (72.2±11 vs 75.3±34 mmHg, p<0.001) blood pressure. Although suboptimal for both groups, patients with cancer were significantly more likely to have general practice management plans (GPMPs) (51.4% vs 43.2%, p<0.001), coordination of team care arrangements (TCAs) (46.2% vs 37.0%, p<0.001), have a review of either GPMP or TCA (42.8% vs 34.7%, p<0.001), have a mental health treatment consultation (15.4% vs 10.5%, p=0.004) and be prescribed blood pressure-lowering medications (70.1% vs 66.0%, p=0.002). However, there were no statistical differences in the prescription of lipid-lowering or antiplatelet medications. After adjustments for covariates and multiple testing, patients with cancer did not show a difference in GPMPs, TCAs, and a review of either, but were more likely to receive mental health treatment consultations than those without cancer (odds ratio 1.76; 95% confidence interval 1.42-2.19). CONCLUSIONS: Less than half of patients with CVD had a GPMP, TCA or review of either. Although those patients with cancer were more likely to receive these interventions, still around half the patients did not. Medicare-funded GPMPs, TCAs and a review of either GPMP or TCA were underutilised, and future studies should seek to identify ways of improving access to these services.

Integrating Cardio-Oncology Across the Research Pipeline, Policy, and Practice in Australia-An Australian Cardiovascular Alliance Perspective.

Over 18 million people worldwide were diagnosed with cancer in 2020, including over 150,000 people in Australia. Although improved early detection and treatment have increased the survival rates, cardiotoxic treatment and inadequate management of cardiovascular risk factors have resulted in cardiovascular disease (CVD) being one of the leading causes of non-cancer-related death and disability among cancer survivors. International guidelines outline the standards of care for CVD risk surveillance and management. However, Australian cardio-oncology policies and clinical guidelines are limited. There is increasing growth of cardio-oncology research in Australia and support from leading Australian professional bodies and advocacy and research networks, including the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand, the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia, the National Heart Foundation of Australia, and the Australian Cardiovascular Alliance (ACvA). Thus, opportunities to drive multidisciplinary cardio-oncology initiatives are growing, including grant funding, position statements, and novel research to inform new policies. The ACvA has a unique flagship structure that spans the translational research pipeline from drug discovery to implementation science. This article aims to highlight how multidisciplinary cardio-oncology innovations could intersect with the seven ACvA flagships, and to showcase Australian achievements in cardio-oncology thus far. We summarise eight key priority areas for future cardio-oncology research that emerged. These strategies will strengthen cardio-oncology research and care in Australia, and drive new guidelines, policies, and government initiatives to ensure equity in health outcomes for all cardio-oncology patients.

Text Messages to Improve Medication Adherence and Secondary Prevention After Acute Coronary Syndrome: The TEXTMEDS Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: TEXTMEDS (Text Messages to Improve Medication Adherence and Secondary Prevention After Acute Coronary Syndrome) examined the effects of text message-delivered cardiac education and support on medication adherence after an acute coronary syndrome. METHODS: TEXTMEDS was a single-blind, multicenter, randomized controlled trial of patients after acute coronary syndrome. The control group received usual care (secondary prevention as determined by the treating clinician); the intervention group also received multiple motivational and supportive weekly text messages on medications and healthy lifestyle with the opportunity for 2-way communication (text or telephone). The primary end point of self-reported medication adherence was the percentage of patients who were adherent, defined as >80% adherence to each of up to 5 indicated cardioprotective medications, at both 6 and 12 months. RESULTS: A total of 1424 patients (mean age, 58 years [SD, 11]; 79% male) were randomized from 18 Australian public teaching hospitals. There was no significant difference in the primary end point of self-reported medication adherence between the intervention and control groups (relative risk, 0.93 [95% CI, 0.84-1.03]; P=0.15). There was no difference between intervention and control groups at 12 months in adherence to individual medications (aspirin, 96% vs 96%; ß-blocker, 84% vs 84%; angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker, 77% vs 80%; statin, 95% vs 95%; second antiplatelet, 84% vs 84% [all P>0.05]), systolic blood pressure (130 vs 129 mm Hg; P=0.26), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (2.0 vs 1.9 mmol/L; P=0.34), smoking (P=0.59), or exercising regularly (71% vs 68%; P=0.52). There were small differences in lifestyle risk factors in favor of intervention on body mass index <25 kg/m2 (21% vs 18%; P=0.01), eating ≥5 servings per day of vegetables (9% vs 5%; P=0.03), and eating ≥2 servings per day of fruit (44% vs 39%; P=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: A text message-based program had no effect on medical adherence but small effects on lifestyle risk factors. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=364448; Unique identifier: ANZCTR ACTRN12613000793718.

Incorporating a polygenic risk score-triaged coronary calcium score into cardiovascular disease examinations to identify subclinical coronary artery disease (ESCALATE): Protocol for a prospective, nonrandomized implementation trial.

BACKGROUND: Identifying and targeting established modifiable risk factors has been a successful strategy for reducing the burden of coronary artery disease (CAD) at the population-level. However, up to 1-in-4 patients who present with ST elevation myocardial infarction do so in the absence of such risk factors. Polygenic risk scores (PRS) have demonstrated an ability to improve risk prediction models independent of traditional risk factors and self-reported family history, but a pathway for implementation has yet to be clearly identified. The aim of this study is to examine the utility of a CAD PRS to identify individuals with subclinical CAD via a novel clinical pathway, triaging low or intermediate absolute risk individuals for noninvasive coronary imaging, and examining the impact on shared treatment decisions and participant experience. TRIAL DESIGN: The ESCALATE study is a 12-month, prospective, multicenter implementation study incorporating PRS into otherwise standard primary care CVD risk assessments, to identify patients at increased lifetime CAD risk for noninvasive coronary imaging. One-thousand eligible participants aged 45 to 65 years old will enter the study, which applies PRS to those considered low or moderate 5-year absolute CVD risk and triages those with CAD PRS ≥80% for a coronary calcium scan. The primary outcome will be the identification of subclinical CAD, defined as a coronary artery calcium score (CACS) >0 Agatston units (AU). Multiple secondary outcomes will be assessed, including baseline CACS ≥100 AU or ≥75th age-/sex-matched percentile, the use and intensity of lipid- and blood pressure-lowering therapeutics, cholesterol and blood pressure levels, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). CONCLUSION: This novel trial will generate evidence on the ability of a PRS-triaged CACS to identify subclinical CAD, as well as subsequent differences in traditional risk factor medical management, pharmacotherapy utilization, and participant experience. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12622000436774. Trial was prospectively registered on March 18, 2022. https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=383134.

Evaluating the effect of a 12-month youth advisory group on adolescent's leadership skills and perceptions related to chronic disease prevention research: a mixed-methods study.

BACKGROUND: Youth Advisory Groups (YAGs) represent a promising method to engage adolescents in research of relevance to them and their peers. However, YAGs are rarely implemented or evaluated in chronic disease prevention research. The aims of this study were firstly, to evaluate the effect of participation in a 12-month YAG on adolescents' leadership skills and perceptions related to chronic disease prevention research and secondly, to evaluate the process of establishing and facilitating a 12-month YAG and identify barriers and enablers to establishment and facilitation. METHODS: This study was a 12-month pre-post study. Eligible participants were adolescents (13-18-years) and current members of an established YAG. Data collection involved online surveys and semi-structured interviews at baseline, six-months and 12-months follow-up. Participatory outcomes such as self-efficacy, leadership skills, and collective participation were derived from Youth Participatory Action Research Principles (YPAR), and the Lansdown-UNICEF conceptual framework for measuring outcomes of adolescent participation. Process evaluation data were captured via meeting minutes, Slack metrics and researcher logs. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics and qualitative data was thematically analysed using a reflexive thematic analysis approach. RESULTS: Thirteen (13/16) YAG youth advisors consented to participate in the evaluation study (mean age 16.0 years, SD 1.3; 62% (8/13) identified as female). Survey data assessing participatory outcomes found an increase in leadership and life skills scores over 12-months (+ 8.90 points). Semi-structured interview data collected over the 12-month term revealed three key themes namely: influence, empowerment, and contribution. Comparison of pre-post themes determined a positive trend at follow-ups, demonstrating improved participatory outcomes. Process indicators revealed that at 12-month follow-up the YAG was implemented as planned. Semi-structured interview data determined barriers to YAG facilitation included time and limited face-to-face components, while enablers to YAG facilitation included flexibility, accessible delivery methods, and a supportive adult facilitator. CONCLUSION: This study found that a YAG fostered positive participatory outcomes and unique opportunities for youth participants. A successful YAG based on YPAR principles requires researchers to ensure YAG establishment and facilitation is an iterative process. Taking into consideration important barriers and enablers to YAG facilitation ensures adolescent engagement in a YAG is both meaningful and impactful.

Hybrid cardiac telerehabilitation for coronary artery disease in Australia: a cost-effectiveness analysis.

BACKGROUND: Traditional cardiac rehabilitation programs are centre-based and clinically supervised, with their safety and effectiveness well established. Notwithstanding the established benefits, cardiac rehabilitation remains underutilised. A possible alternative would be a hybrid approach where both centre-based and tele-based methods are combined to deliver cardiac rehabilitation to eligible patients. The objective of this study was to determine the long-term cost-effectiveness of a hybrid cardiac telerehabilitation and if it should be recommended to be implemented in the Australian context. METHODS: Following a comprehensive literature search, we chose the Telerehab III trial intervention that investigated the effectiveness of a long-term hybrid cardiac telerehabilitation program. We developed a decision analytic model to estimate the cost-effectiveness of the Telerehab III trial using a Markov process. The model included stable cardiac disease and hospitalisation health states and simulations were run using one-month cycles over a five-year time horizon. The threshold for cost-effectiveness was set at $AU 28,000 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY). For the base analysis, we assumed that 80% completed the programme. We tested the robustness of the results using probabilistic sensitivity and scenario analyses. RESULTS: Telerehab III intervention was more effective but more costly and was not cost-effective, at a threshold of $28,000 per QALY. For every 1,000 patients who undergo cardiac rehabilitation, employing the telerehabilitation intervention would cost $650,000 more, and 5.7 QALYs would be gained, over five years, compared to current practice. Under probabilistic sensitivity analysis, the intervention was cost-effective in only 18% of simulations. Similarly, if the intervention compliance was increased to 90%, it was still unlikely to be cost-effective. CONCLUSION: Hybrid cardiac telerehabilitation is highly unlikely to be cost-effective compared to the current practice in Australia. Exploration of alternative models of delivering cardiac telerehabilitation is still required. The results presented in this study are useful for policymakers wanting to make informed decisions about investment in hybrid cardiac telerehabilitation programs.

A National Health and Wellness SMS Text Message Program for Breast Cancer Survivors During COVID-19 (EMPOWER-SMS COVID-19): Mixed Methods Evaluation Using the RE-AIM Framework.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 lockdowns caused widespread closures of supportive care services for breast cancer survivors in Australia. In a randomized controlled trial, our team's lifestyle-focused, evidence-based SMS text message support program (EMPOWER-SMS COVID-19) was found to be acceptable and useful for breast cancer survivors, and it was ready for rapid widespread delivery. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the reach (uptake) of an adapted 3-month lifestyle-focused SMS text message program (EMPOWER-SMS COVID-19) and barriers and enablers to implementation using the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework. METHODS: A mixed methods pre-post study was conducted to evaluate the EMPOWER-SMS COVID-19 program. The study evaluated the following aspects: (1) reach/representativeness, which refers to the proportion of participant enrollment (ie, number enrolled/number that visited the study website) and demographics (eg, age, sex, ethnicity, time since completing treatment, Index of Relative Socio-economic Advantage and Disadvantage [IRSAD; quintile 1, which refers to most disadvantaged areas, to quintile 5, which refers to least disadvantaged areas, and remoteness); (2) effectiveness, in which participant engagement and acceptability were evaluated using SMS text message reply data and a feedback survey (5-point Likert scale and free-text responses); (3) adoption, which corresponds to the proportion of organizations or health professionals who agreed to promote the program; (4) implementation fidelity and maintenance, which evaluated SMS text message delivery data, opt-outs, costs, and adaptations. Quantitative data were summarized using means and SDs or frequencies and percentages, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. RESULTS: With regard to the reach/representativeness of the program, 841/1340 (62.8%) participants enrolled and provided electronic consent. Participants had a mean age of 58.8 (SD 9.8; range 30-87) years. According to the data collected, most participants identified as female (837/840, 99.6%) and White (736/840, 87.6%) and nearly half (418/841, 49.7%) finished treatment ≤18 months ago. Most resided in major cities (574/838, 68.5%) and 30% (251/838) in IRSAD quintile 1 or 2. In terms of effectiveness, 852 replies were received from 511 unique participants (median 1; range 1-26). The most common replies were participants stating how they heard about the program (467/852, 54.8%) or "thank you" (131/852, 15.4%). None of the replies contained urgent safety concerns. Among participants who provided feedback (449/841, 53.4%), most "(strongly) agreed" the SMS text messages were easy to understand (445/448, 99.3%), useful (373/440, 84.8%), helped participants feel supported (388/448, 86.6%), and motivated participants to be physically active (312/445, 70.1%) and eat healthier (313/457, 68.5%). Free-text responses revealed 5 factors influencing engagement: (1) feeling supported and less alone, (2) motivation and reassurance for health self-management, (3) the variety of information, (4) weblinks to information and resources, and (5) the option to save the SMS text messages. Concerning adoption, 50% (18/36) of organizations/health professionals agreed to promote the program. With regard to implementation/maintenance, SMS text messages were delivered as planned (97.43% [41,257/42,344] of SMS text messages were successfully delivered) with minimal opt-outs (62/838, 7.4%) and low cost (Aus $15.40/participant; Aus $1=US $0.67). No adaptations were made during the intervention period. Postintervention adaptations included adding weblinks and participant-selected customizations. CONCLUSIONS: EMPOWER-SMS COVID-19 was implemented quickly, had a broad reach, and had high engagement and acceptability among socioeconomically diverse participants. The program had high fidelity, low cost, and required minimal staff oversight, which may facilitate future implementation. However, further research is needed to evaluate barriers and enablers to adoption and implementation for health professionals and strategies for long-term maintenance.

Effect of Mobile Phone Text Messaging Self-Management Support for Patients With Diabetes or Coronary Heart Disease in a Chronic Disease Management Program (SupportMe) on Blood Pressure: Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Maintaining engagement and support for patients with chronic diseases is challenging. SMS text messaging programs have complemented patient care in a variety of situations. However, such programs have not been widely translated into routine care. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to examine the implementation and utility of a customized SMS text message-based support program for patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), coronary heart disease, or both within a chronic disease integrated care program. METHODS: We conducted a 6-month pragmatic parallel-group, single-blind randomized controlled trial that recruited people with T2D or coronary heart disease. Intervention participants received 4 semipersonalized SMS text messages per week providing self-management support to supplement standard care. Preprogrammed algorithms customized content based on participant characteristics, and the messages were sent at random times of the day and in random order by a fully automated SMS text messaging engine. Control participants received standard care and only administrative SMS text messages. The primary outcome was systolic blood pressure. Evaluations were conducted face to face whenever possible by researchers blinded to randomization. Participants with T2D were evaluated for glycated hemoglobin level. Participant-reported experience measures were evaluated using questionnaires and focus groups and summarized using proportions and thematic analysis. RESULTS: A total of 902 participants were randomized (n=448, 49.7% to the intervention group and n=454, 50.3% to the control group). Primary outcome data were available for 89.5% (807/902) of the participants. At 6 months, there was no difference in systolic blood pressure between the intervention and control arms (adjusted mean difference=0.9 mm Hg, 95% CI -1.1 to 2.1; P=.38). Of 642 participants with T2D, there was no difference in glycated hemoglobin (adjusted mean difference=0.1%, 95% CI -0.1% to 0.3%; P=.35). Self-reported medication adherence was better in the intervention group (relative risk=0.82, 95% CI 0.68-1.00; P=.045). Participants reported that the SMS text messages were useful (298/344, 86.6%) and easily understood (336/344, 97.7%) and motivated change (217/344, 63.1%). The lack of bidirectional messaging was identified as a barrier. CONCLUSIONS: The intervention did not improve blood pressure in this cohort, possibly because of high clinician commitment to improved routine patient care as part of the chronic disease management program as well as favorable baseline metrics. There was high program engagement, acceptability, and perceived value. Feasibility as part of an integrated care program was demonstrated. SMS text messaging programs may supplement chronic disease management and support self-care. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12616001689460; https://anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=371769&isReview=true. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): RR2-10.1136/bmjopen-2018-025923.

Age and Marital Status Predict Mild Cognitive Impairment During Acute Coronary Syndrome Admission: An Observational Study of Acute Coronary Syndrome Inpatients.

BACKGROUND: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) has been reported after acute coronary syndrome (ACS), but it is uncertain who is at risk, particularly during inpatient admission. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to explore the prevalence and cognitive domains affected in MCI during ACS admission and determine factors that identify patients most at risk of MCI. METHODS: Inpatients with ACS were consecutively recruited from 2 tertiary hospital cardiac wards and screened with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment and the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test. Screening included health literacy (Newest Vital Sign), depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), and physical activity (Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly). Factors associated with MCI were determined using logistic regression. RESULTS: Participants (n = 81) had a mean (SD) age of 63.5 (10.9) years, and 82.7% were male. In total, MCI was identified in 52.5%, 42.5% with 1 screen and 10% with both. Individually, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment identified MCI in 48.1%, and the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test identified MCI in 13.8%. In Montreal Cognitive Assessment screening, the cognitive domains in which participants most frequently did not achieve the maximum points available were delayed recall (81.5%), visuospatial executive function (48.1%), and attention (30.9%). Accounting for education, depression, physical activity, and ACS diagnosis, the likelihood of an MCI positive screen increased by 11% per year of age (odds ratio, 1.11; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-1.18) and by 3.6 times for those who are unmarried/unpartnered (odds ratio, 3.61; 95% confidence interval, 1.09-11.89). CONCLUSION: An estimated half of patients with ACS screen positive for MCI during admission, with single and older patients most at risk. Multiple areas of thinking were affected with potential impact on capacity for learning heart disease management.

A Clinical Guide for Assessment and Prescription of Exercise and Physical Activity in Cardiac Rehabilitation. A CSANZ Position Statement.

Patients with cardiovascular disease benefit from cardiac rehabilitation, which includes structured exercise and physical activity as core components. This position statement provides pragmatic, evidence-based guidance for the assessment and prescription of exercise and physical activity for cardiac rehabilitation clinicians, recognising the latest international guidelines, scientific evidence and the increasing use of technology and virtual delivery methods. The patient-centred assessment and prescription of aerobic exercise, resistance exercise and physical activity have been addressed, including progression and safety considerations.

Cardiovascular Disease Implementation and Policy Priorities for Australia: Recommendations From an Australian Stakeholder Roundtable.

The Australian Cardiovascular Alliance (ACvA), the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSANZ) and the National Heart Foundation of Australia (NHFA) recently joined forces to bring the cardiovascular and stroke community together to convene and document a national discussion and propose a national CVD Implementation and Policy agenda and action plan. This includes prevention and screening, acute care and secondary prevention.

A National Survey of Patient Data Capture, Management, Reporting Practice in Australian Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs.

BACKGROUND: Lack of service data for cardiac rehabilitation limits understanding of program delivery, benchmarking and quality improvement. This study aimed to describe current practices, management, utilisation and engagement with quality indicators in Australian programs. METHOD: Cardiac rehabilitation programs (n=396) were identified from national directories and networks. Program coordinators were surveyed on service data capture, management systems and adoption of published national quality indicators. Text responses were coded and classified. Logistic regression determined independent associates of the use of data for quality improvement. RESULTS: A total of 319 (81%) coordinators completed the survey. Annual patient enrolments/programs were >200 (31.0%), 51-200 (46%) and ≤50 (23%). Most (79%) programs used an electronic system, alongside paper (63%) and/or another electronic system (19%), with 21% completely paper. While 84% knew of the national quality indicators, only 52% used them. Supplementary to patient care, data were used for reports to managers (57%) and funders (41%), to improve quality (56%), support funding (43%) and research (31%). Using data for quality improvement was more likely when enrolments where >200 (Odds ratio [OR] 3.83, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.76-8.34) and less likely in Victoria (OR 0.24 95%, CI 0.08-0.77), New South Wales (OR 0.25 95%, CI 0.08-0.76) and Western Australia (OR 0.16 95%, CI 0.05-0.57). CONCLUSIONS: The collection of service data for cardiac rehabilitation patient data and its justification is diverse, limiting our capacity to benchmark and drive clinical practice. The findings strengthen the case for a national low-burden approach to data capture for quality care.

An analysis of current obesity strategies for adolescents in NSW against best practice recommendations: Implications for researchers, policymakers and practitioners.

ISSUE ADDRESSED: Obesity is a significant health challenge facing adolescents. There is a critical need for government action to support all adolescents to improve risk factors for obesity. This study critically appraised initiatives, guidelines and policies (termed "strategies") from local health districts (LHDs), speciality health networks and Primary Health Networks (PHNs) across New South Wales (NSW), relevant to the prevention and management of obesity amongst adolescents and compare these to best practice recommendations. METHODS: We critically appraised strategies against best practice recommendations that included support, access, responsiveness to needs, supportive environment, monitoring and evaluation and health equity. Strategies were collected by systematically searching websites of 15 LHDs, one speciality health network and 10 PHNs. RESULTS: There was evidence of strategies regarding adolescent obesity prevention and management across all best practice recommendations. There was limited evidence of adolescent consumer participation, digital strategies for health services and online health information. There were minimal targeted public or school-based education campaigns and interventions on physical activity or nutrition. Place-based approaches such as sports and recreation facilities were not included in policies regarding the sale of healthy food and drinks. Evaluation evidence across all strategies was minimal. CONCLUSIONS: Numerous strategies are being implemented across NSW to address adolescent obesity. Despite this, the alignment of strategies with best practice recommendations is poor and evidence of progress in tackling adolescent obesity remains unclear. SO WHAT?: Opportunities to generate and translate best practice evidence within government strategies for obesity must be prioritised with embedded measurement and evaluation plans.

Biology, Bias, or Both? The Contribution of Sex and Gender to the Disparity in Cardiovascular Outcomes Between Women and Men.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide for both men and women. However, CVD is understudied, underdiagnosed, and undertreated in women. This bias has resulted in women being disproportionately affected by CVD when compared to men. The aim of this narrative review is to explore the contribution of sex and gender on CVD outcomes in men and women and offer recommendations for researchers and clinicians. RECENT FINDINGS: Evidence demonstrates that there are sex differences (e.g., menopause and pregnancy complications) and gender differences (e.g., socialization of gender) that contribute to the inequality in risk, presentation, and treatment of CVD in women. To start addressing the CVD issues that disproportionately impact women, it is essential that these sex and gender differences are addressed through educating health care professionals on gender bias; offering patient-centered care and programs tailored to women's needs; and conducting inclusive health research.

Differences in the pre-hospital management of women and men with stroke by emergency medical services in New South Wales.

OBJECTIVES: To examine whether pre-hospital emergency medical service care differs for women and men subsequently admitted to hospital with stroke. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS: Population-based cohort study; analysis of linked Admitted Patient Data Collection and NSW Ambulance data for people admitted to New South Wales hospitals with a principal diagnosis of stroke at separation, 1 July 2005 - 31 December 2018. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Emergency medical service assessments, protocols, and management for patients subsequently diagnosed with stroke, by sex. RESULTS: Of 202 231 people hospitalised with stroke (mean age, 73 [SD, 14] years; 98 599 women [51.0%]), 101 357 were conveyed to hospital by ambulance (50.1%). A larger proportion of women than men travelled by ambulance (52.4% v 47.9%; odds ratio [OR], 1.09; 95% CI, 1.07-1.11), but time between the emergency call and emergency department admission was similar for both sexes. The likelihood of being assessed as having a stroke (adjusted OR [aOR], 0.97; 95% CI, 0.93-1.01) or subarachnoid haemorrhage (aOR, 1.22; 95% CI, 0.73-2.03) was similar for women and men, but women under 70 years of age were less likely than men to be assessed as having a stroke (aOR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.82-0.97). Women were more likely than men to be assessed by paramedics as having migraine, other headache, anxiety, unconsciousness, hypertension, or nausea. Women were less likely than men to be managed according to the NSW Ambulance pre-hospital stroke care protocol (aOR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.92-0.97), but the likelihood of basic pre-hospital care was similar for both sexes (aOR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.99-1.04). CONCLUSION: Our large population-based study identified sex differences in pre-hospital management by emergency medical services of women and men admitted to hospital with stroke. Paramedics should receive training that improves the recognition of stroke symptoms in women.