Enhancing Cardiac Rehabilitation Through Behavioral Nudges

Enhancing Cardiac Rehabilitation Adherence Through Home-based Rehabilitation and Behavioral Nudges: ERA Nudge

Adherence to cardiac rehabilitation is poor, and worse for minorities, women, and those with lower levels of education. Patients less likely to be referred to and complete cardiac rehab are at highest risk of adverse outcomes and thus have the most to gain from participation in cardiac rehab. To improve participation, healthcare systems need to limit barriers to enrollment and promote adherence to rehabilitation.

This study aims to (1) iteratively develop and program a theoretically informed technology-based nudge message library for a diverse patient population using multiple and iterative N of 1 within subject studies. Investigators will also engage patient, provider and health systems stakeholders in designing and refining the messages. (2)Develop a one-page decision aid tool to present information designed with principles of shared decision making including pros and cons of hospital and home-based rehabilitation. Investigators will engage patients, providers, and health systems stakeholders to provide feedback on the information sheet. (3) Conduct a 2x2 factorial design randomized trial of a) choice and b) nudge messaging to improve primary outcome of CR adherence. Secondary outcomes will include enrollment and completion of CR, exercise capacity, patient engagement, quality of life, hospitalizations, and healthcare utilization. The study will additionally evaluate the interventions using a mixed methods approach applying the RE-AIM (reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance) framework and a cost-effectiveness analysis. The cost-effectiveness analysis sub-study will evaluate the implementation cost of home-based and hospital-based cardiac rehabilitation programs in addition to the incremental cost effectiveness ratios for each intervention.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction, percutaneous coronary intervention, coronary artery bypass graft, valvular heart surgery, chronic stable angina, and/or chronic stable heart failure with left ventricular systolic dysfunction.
• 18 year of age or older
• Access to a cell phone with text messaging capability
• English or Spanish speaking

Exclusion Criteria:

• Medical director's decision based on high-risk assessment
• Enrolled in hospice or palliative care
• Being intoxicated or otherwise unable to consent to participate