Digital Coaching for Personalized Healthcare of Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality globally. There are several well-known factors related to increased risk for CVD that are largely preventable and effectively treatable by adopting and maintaining healthy lifestyle behaviors. Connected health presents a unique cost-effective approach to personal health and CVD prevention and self-management. The objectives of this chapter are twofold: First, we focus on patients and healthcare professionals’ needs, preferences, and attitudes toward the use of digital solutions for CVD prevention and self-management reported in the scientific literature. Second, we provide an overview of the current state of the art in personal health coaching systems, analyzing relevant issues such as types of technological solution, theoretical foundations, personalization techniques used, included motivational elements, and conducted evaluations and main outcomes. Following this approach, we identify successful features, the design lessons that were learned, unmet needs, and research gaps that will provide a basis for further research.