Acceptability of a computer-tailored and pedometer-based socio-cognitive intervention in a secondary coronary heart disease prevention program: A qualitative study

Abstract

When developing an innovative intervention, its acceptability to patients, health care professionals and managers must be considered to ensure the implementation into practice. This study aims to identify factors influencing the acceptability of a computer-tailored and pedometer-based socio-cognitive intervention for patients with heart disease. Focus group interviews were conducted in two outlying regions of the province of Quebec (Canada). The Theory of Planned Behavior formed the theoretical basis of the interview guide. Two researchers performed verbatim analysis independently until consensus was achieved. The sample included 44 participants divided into six groups (patients n ¼ 7 þ 8, health care professionals n ¼ 8 þ 8, managers n ¼ 6 þ 7). Health care professionals and managers mentioned benefits concerning partners' opportunity to improve assessment and monitoring. Patients believed the intervention could be useful to improve adherence to physical activity. Additional benefits indicated were self-monitoring behavior and improved health-related outcomes. However, patients expressed concern about the online security, fearing possible data breach. Some clinicians felt the pedometer may not be able to evaluate physical activities other than walking. With regard to behavioral control, a web application and pedometer must be easy to use and compatible with services already in place. Further barriers include level of literacy, cost and the various difficulties associated with wearing a pedometer. Findings suggest that, to improve the acceptability of a computer-tailored and pedometer-based socio-cognitive intervention, users must be assured of a secure website, validated, affordable and easy-to-use pedometers, and an intervention adapted to their level of literacy.

Pedometers, the frustrating motivators: a qualitative investigation of users’ experiences of the Yamax SW-200 among people with multiple sclerosis

“…While the establishment of validity is vital, the present findings indicate that acceptability and critically usability are equally important to maximise the benefit of self-monitoring devices. In line with previous research, wearability issues including the practicality of waist attachment to different clothing [12,50] and security of device placement impacted on perceived ease of use and decision to persist with monitoring [50,51]. Issues with opening and closing and attachment and detachment suggest consideration may be needed to ensure the suitability of this pedometer for participants with dexterity and bladder issues respectively.…”

“…The objective feedback they provide motivates physical activity engagement in clinical [12] and non-clinical populations [13] with demonstrable increases in physical activity [14,15]. Among people with MS, promising impacts on physical activity have been shown in theory-based interventions supported by a pedometer [16,17].…”

Understanding acceptability of digital health technologies among francophone-speaking communities across the world: a meta-ethnographic study

“…Sensor-based and wearable technologies are technologies that offer the possibility for healthcare service users to monitor and record specific health metrics (Delbreil and Zvobgo, 2013;Houle et al, 2020).…”

“…Social acceptability of sensor and wearable technologies for francophone-speaking populations relies heavily on the capacity of the technology to monitor and detect a predetermined event or activity (Delbreil and Zvobgo, 2013;Houle et al, 2020). Specifically, when the technology demonstrated potential improvements to health and security, stakeholders were more likely to engage with them.…”

“…Improvements to care through better access and connectedness to healthcare professionals is a common factor of acceptability. As described in the study by Houle et al (2020) wearing a technology facilitates easy and direct access to a healthcare professional, who can act as a source of motivation and take on an instructor role for the patient. Additionally, self-care is a common theme for both healthcare service users and healthcare professionals as both technologies allow the end users to remain autonomous, monitor their habits and motivate them to continue or enhance their efforts.…”