App-Timizing Cardiac Rehabilitation: Enhancing Patient Engagement with Mobile Health Applications

This manuscript examines how mobile health (mHealth) applications (apps) can enhance patient engagement in cardiac rehabilitation (CR). This review addresses two key questions: (1) how can mHealth apps augment traditional center-based CR (CBCR) programs, and (2) how can they be used to provide an alternative model for home-based CR (HBCR) programs? By evaluating recent mHealth advancements, we discuss integrating these digital tools into CR programs to increase patient engagement.

Recent studies have highlighted the multifaceted role of mHealth apps in CR. mHealth apps can significantly enhance CBCR programs by engaging patients in the collection of their health care data, increasing patient self-management of disease, and facilitating communication between patients and their care teams. Additionally, they support remote CR delivery through HBCR models, termed mHealth-CR, particularly in areas where CBCR facilities are less accessible. Recent studies indicate that mHealth-CR programs improve patient adherence and participation, likely by addressing logistical barriers like transportation and scheduling conflicts.

Integrating mHealth applications into CR can enhance patient engagement with and attendance of CBCR programs. They offer a solution to the underutilization and capacity limitations of CBCR programs. Further research is needed to optimize mHealth implementation and evaluate long-term outcomes. These digital tools could reshape CR services, making them more inclusive and accessible, but careful consideration is needed to prevent exacerbating healthcare inequalities and the “digital divide.”