Testing a Digital Care App for People with Heart Conditions
Tests a digital app giving heart care advice to adults with heart problems.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Testing VIRTUES Patient Care Sets in Cardiac Patients (VIRTUES Cardiac Care)
Key facts
- Where
- London, CanadaSee the site
Where in Canada
- London Health Sciences Centre Research InstituteLondon, CanadaTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's
- Trial code
- NCT05452356
- Record updated
- 13 August 2026
- Original description
Patients with various cardiac conditions (such as those who experience a heart attack) are increasing in Canada and are in need of appropriate cardiac rehabilitation and care. Many patients do not have access to local in-person cardiac clinics, particularly in rural regions of Canada. A user-friendly digital application with accessible educational resources and recommendations based on the most up to date clinical practice guidelines can help mitigate these issues. VIRTUES is a digital healthcare application that targets 11 modifiable modules as follows:Read full original descriptionShow less
Testing of Patient Care Sets and Management of Cardiovascular Conditions Using a Virtual Platform
Patients with various cardiac conditions (such as those who experience a heart attack) are increasing in Canada and are in need of appropriate cardiac rehabilitation and care. Many patients do not have access to local in-person cardiac clinics, particularly in rural regions of Canada. A user-friendly digital application with accessible educational resources and recommendations based on the most up to date clinical practice guidelines can help mitigate these issues. VIRTUES is a digital healthcare application that targets 11 modifiable modules as follows:
1. antithrombotic management 2. lipid management 3. rate and rhythm control for atrial fibrillation 4. heart failure care 5. post myocardial infarction care 6. blood sugar management 7. blood pressure management 8. physical activity 9. healthy eating 10. smoking cessation 11. alcohol reduction
Of the 11 total modules, the first 7 listed provide recommendations in VIRTUES. The remaining 4 (physical activity, healthy eating, smoking cessation and alcohol reduction) consist of simple referrals to existing recommendations (i.e., for healthy eating and physical exercise) and referrals to existing local programs (i.e., for smoking cessation and alcohol reduction). Thus, in this cohort study, the investigators will test the primary 7 modules with 200 patients per module for approximately one month each in order to obtain feedback on the usability of each module. The investigators will also conduct virtual focus group discussions to obtain open ended feedback on the application. This study will provide valuable feedback, which will be used to improve and adapt the VIRTUES platform.
Inclusion: Any patient with a cardiovascular condition; Ability to provide informed consent; Proficient in the English language; Access to a device capable of running mobile application; Used mobile technology within the past 3 months.
Exclusion: Any medical condition making 1-month survival unlikely.