Virtual Monitoring of Physical Activity in the Our Hearts Our Minds (Ohom) Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme Using a Cloud Based Dashboard

ABSTRACT

Background Cardiac rehabilitation is accessed by only ~50% of eligible patients. Virtual options have become more important since Covid. The Our Hearts Our Minds (OHOM) programme used wearable technology (Fitbit) for virtual physical activity monitoring. Aim To examine whether a Fitbit smartwatch/dashboard component was an acceptable option to improve physical activity levels in the absence of supervised exercise classes. Methods Initial multidisciplinary assessments were conducted via telephone/video as per patient preference. Patients were offered a Fitbit, if they did not have their own smartwatch and to synchronise to a cloud based dashboard visible to the clinical team. Using behaviour change techniques, tailored physical activity advice was provided including personalised notifications pushed to the patient's Fitbit app. Patients also received coaching calls and virtual group education sessions. Average daily step count and active minutes (over a 7 day period) were calculated at the start and end of programme. Results 1066 referrals were received from 01/04/20 to 30/ 03/22, of which 1043 patients (98%) had an initial assessment. Of these, 407 wore a Fitbit device (33% provided by programme, 6% own Fitbit) and synchronised to OHOM Fitbit dashboard (39% uptake). 6% had their own non-Fitbit smartwatch. 55% declined Fitbit (5% didn't own a smartphone for app download or access the internet, 3% weren't interested in technology, 2% medical reasons, 2% didn't collect, 43% weren't interested in virtual monitoring). Physical activity outcomes pre and post programme are shown in table 1. Conclusion Fitbit (and other) smartwatches coupled with centralised monitoring provided a viable alternative to supervised exercise classes in approximately half of those attending cardiac rehabilitation with evidence of increased physical activity.