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  • The feasibility of implementing virtual clinics as follow-up of secondary prevention therapy post acute myocardial infarction
    Publication . Rijo, Vanessa Fonseca; Costa, Filipa Alves da; Antoniou, Sotiris
    Introduction: Approximately 1.4 million people in the UK have survived a Myocardial Infarction (MI). When discharged, patients leave with a secondary prevention therapy. However, time to educate patients and adjust medication to an optimal treatment is limited. eHealth has grown exponentially being seen as a means to create proximity between professionals and patients. It is important to assess the feasibility of an app in order to be a valid replacement for face-to-face consultations. Objective: This project’s ultimate aim is to develop a virtual clinic to contribute to efficient delivery of healthcare and to promote proximity between healthcare professionals and patients. As an intermediate step, the current project aims to explore the feasibility of implementing such technology. The specific objective is to assess people’s opinion on the utility and the acceptability of a virtual clinic as a means to use technology to improve healthcare provision. Methods: A paper and pencil self-report questionnaire was developed to assess barriers and enablers of follow-up using virtual clinics, after MI. The questionnaire comprised sociodemographic data, a Health Literacy assessment tool and statements to reflect patients’ views and experiences on the use of smartphones and applications. Data was collected and subsequently analyzed. Analysis was processed using SPSS 25 and focused on questionnaire validation, univariate and bivariate statistics. Results: A total of 50 patients participated, the mean age was 61 ± 14, 76% were male and 12% were female, 42% were from East London and 48% were white and 68% have a high school degree or less. The majority of respondents (n=50; 70%) consider they have skills to use a smartphone, 42% agree the app may be a substitute to face to face consultations, 62% would like to have an app to monitor their condition and 74% agree that having access to a healthcare professional through an app would have a great impact in their health. Younger patients were more prompt to use apps (p< 0.001). Conclusion: Data gathered showed potential of having a virtual clinical app as a secondary prevention follow-up. However, further studies must be developed to support the use of Virtual Clinic apps for future replacement of follow-up face-to-face consultations for secondary prevention therapy.
    2019-12Dissertação de mestrado Acesso aberto Ver mais