Introduction Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in developed countries. Individually-tailored CVD risk reduction (CVDRR) decision support tools delivered through hand-held devices (e-platform on mobile phone) may improve provider planning for and patient involvement with CVDRR strategies. We conducted a pilot study to assess provider and patient attitudes towards, as well as the feasibility, utility, and acceptability of e-platform technologies via a mobile phone for CVDRR in primary care.

Methods 20 patients, aged 45–79 years, using a JAVA enabled and internet accessible handset were recruited from two private and one public outpatient clinics. The patient's cardiovascular risk profile and cardiovascular risk score (calculated using Framingham Cardiac Risk Score algorithm) and risk reduction advice were uploaded to the patient's handset. Providers and patients completed pre (baseline) and post (3-month) intervention questionnaires and participated in post-intervention focus groups. Descriptive-analytical statistical methods were used. Grounded theory guided the qualitative data analysis.

Results Pre-intervention patients were less likely to understand doctors hand writing (mean score (M)=3.58, SD=1.07); uncertain about heredity and stress as CVD risk factors (M=3.05, SD=1.58 and M=2.32, SD=1.20, respectively); and held a positive view e-platforms for personal decision support (average score for all items >4.5). However patients were worried about their cardiovascular health status (M=3.58, SD=1.35). Patients have reported sharing their personal health information with their healthcare provider.

Conclusions This pilot study has provided preliminary evidence of the feasibility, acceptability, and utility of an e-platform in primary interventions for CVD.