Development of an Ecological Momentary Assessment-Triggered Text Message Library for Peripheral Artery Disease

This study developed an ecological momentary assessment (EMA)-triggered text message library based on the behavior change wheel framework to encourage exercise engagement in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). This study was conducted in three steps. In Step 1, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 patients with PAD. Their accounts of their exercise experiences revealed six barriers and three facilitators through thematic analysis. In Step 2, based on the findings from the prior step, the EMA survey was developed; its items included barriers to exercise, PAD-related leg symptoms, and general conditions. In Step 3, intervention functions to overcome exercise barriers were mapped, and 120 text messages were generated. Responses to the exercise barriers in the EMA survey triggered the automatic text messages. Additional studies are needed to examine the end-user acceptability of the text message library and the effectiveness of EMA-triggered text message interventions.