Table 3. Themes derived from participant feedback about five key features of an integrated eHealth intervention.
| Intervention features and applicable persuasion categories | Themes related to intervention utility and appeal |
|---|---|
| 1. Personalised interactive CVD risk score and heart age estimation Primary Task support System Credibility support |
Varied visual formats facilitate CVD risk communication Risk score responsiveness to changes in risk factor measurements influences user motivation Health literacy influences perceived credibility of a risk score estimation |
| 2. Healthy lifestyle goal setting and tracking Primary Task support Dialogue support |
Healthier choices and actions become habitual rather than occasional Recognition of achievement influences personal motivation and self-esteem Engagement is facilitated by association of behaviour with specific risk factor benefit Goal setting needs to be realistic and personally acceptable |
| 3. Self-monitoring with updateable risk factor and medication input from the EHR Primary Task support System Credibility support |
Changes in risk factor values are most successful when they are positive and relatable to everyday behaviour Motivation improves if recent data entries by the patient update the CVD risk factor profile within the EHR Limited choice of data graphs and pre-set risk factor targets can reduce personal relevance of monitoring Personalised prescription medication display from the EHR increases knowledge-seeking |
| 4. Social chat forum/message board Social support |
Social and chat forums lack relevance and appeal for those disinterested in social media Sharing common experiences can be helpful to those comfortable with using an anonymous chat forum |
| 5. Semi-personalised, heart healthy lifestyle behaviour tips via email and/or SMS Dialogue support System Credibility support Social support |
Receiving tips and reminders conveys a sense of more general health support Receptiveness to the message content is affected by language, frequency and variety Healthier behaviour is positively influenced when message content is delivered repeatedly and perceived to be practical Message receipt benefits new and existing heart health awareness |
Abbreviations: CVD, cardiovascular disease; EHR, electronic health record; SMS, short message service.