The Box: using smart technology to improve one-year outcome of myocardial infarction patients

Smart technology could improve quality of care in patients after acute
myocardial infarction (AMI) with either ST or non-ST elevation.

The objective of this study is to measure the effect of a smart technology
intervention on patients after AMI.

The design of the study is a single-center, open randomized-controlled trial.

Patients will be randomized to either *The Box* or regular follow-up. Patients
who have been randomized to The Box will receive a box containing a smartphone
compatible ECG monitor, a weight scale, an activity tracker and a blood
pressure monitor. If patients are randomized to The Box, two of the four
outpatient clinic visits will be replaced by an e-consult, in which a patient
does not have to go to the hospital, but talks with his or her doctor or nurse
practitioner via a secured video connection.

All devices used in this study are non-invasive, easy-to-use and electrically
safe within its intended use. Using the devices is with very limited risks.
This study has some potential benefits for patients: first, patients can
measure their own blood pressure, weight and activity, as well as record their
own ECG. This can reassure patients and give them more insight in their own
health (the so-called *patient empowerment*). Furthermore, more data gives the
doctor more insight in the health of patients. This might lead to early
detection of hypertension or arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation. Lastly,
due to the video connection system, patients do not have to come to the
hospital, while receiving the same quality of care. A drawback is that patients
have to measure their blood pressure, weight and ECG every day. Furthermore,
patients have to fill in a couple of questionnaires, which will take some of
their time.