Case Study: Empowering people living with acute coronary syndrome taking oral anti-platelet medication
Background
The Challenge
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Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) is a group of life-threatening heart conditions, including heart attack.
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ACS requires urgent treatment and is associated with a high risk of further cardiac events if not managed properly.
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Although standard care after a heart attack includes one year of oral anti‑platelet medication, many discontinue the treatment after initiation, despite potential consequences of heart attack and death.
Our Behaviour Change Approach
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A research and evidence-based approach shaped the solution design and uncovered the modifiable drivers of nonadherence.
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This research included a literature review, as well as qualitative and quantitative research with patients and cardiac physicians, and cardiac nurse specialist focus groups.
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A joint working initiative was developed in conjunction with the UK's National Health Service (NHS) to shape the initiative.
The Solution
OneHeart, a multichannel support programme, was designed to modify the way patients think about their disease and treatment through psychoeducation and interactive cognitive behavioural therapy challenges.
OneHeart included:
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a comprehensive hospital discharge pack
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personalised nurse coaching calls
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a magazine series
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SMS and email interventions
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a personalised web portal with tailored digital content
The Impact
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93% of OneHeart programme patients remained persistent at 13–24 weeks post-enrolment vs 82% at 3 months for non-programme ACS patients (IMS data, 2007).
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No patients missed, stopped, or altered doses of their oral anti-platelet medication.
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The OneHeart programme also positively impacted lifestyle changes: 68% reported increased physical activity, 78% had changed their diet and 100% had quit smoking.