{"status":"ok","message-type":"work","message-version":"1.0.0","message":{"indexed":{"date-parts":[[2026,7,1]],"date-time":"2026-07-01T08:05:19Z","timestamp":1782893119715,"version":"3.54.5"},"reference-count":55,"publisher":"JMIR Publications Inc.","content-domain":{"domain":[],"crossmark-restriction":false},"short-container-title":["JMIR Res Protoc"],"abstract":"\n Background<\/jats:title>\n Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. For people living with CVD, clinical guidelines recommend ongoing self-care such as symptom monitoring, medication adherence, and lifestyle modifications. However, many people struggle to engage in this due to the complexity of disease management, limited understanding, and a lack of cultural support. Conversational agents (CAs) offer a solution by providing artificial intelligence\u2013driven, voice-based support that enables human-like communication. While many CAs and digital interventions are good for people with CVDs, they are for mainstream populations and overlook culturally and linguistically diverse communities.<\/jats:p>\n <\/jats:sec>\n \n Objective<\/jats:title>\n This study outlines the protocol for pilot testing the feasibility and usability of Diaspora Engaged Self-Care Intervention and Heart (DESI-Heart) program, to support self-care management among Indian diaspora populations with CVDs in Australia over an 8-week intervention period. The formative development of DESI-Heart is also described.<\/jats:p>\n <\/jats:sec>\n \n Methods<\/jats:title>\n We integrated the Double Diamond Model and the ecological validity model to develop our DESI-Heart program. First, we co-designed the program with end users, who identified 4 key goals for engagement with self-care through culturally and linguistically appropriate approaches. Based on these priorities and ideas, we developed specific goals, including (1) medication reminders, (2) daily exercise guidance, (3) diet buddy, and (4) guided meditation. Participants will access the DESI-Heart program through a web-based CA, available on smartphones, laptops, or PCs. Based on their preferred timing, individuals will receive links to access specific components of the program corresponding to each goal. These links will be sent to participants via SMS or email, depending on their preference. A single-arm prepost pilot trial (N=28) will be conducted to evaluate the feasibility and usability of the DESI-Heart program among Indian adults living in Australia with CVDs. The primary outcome will assess feasibility indicators, including recruitment, engagement, and usability, while secondary outcomes will examine changes in self-care behaviors and quality of life.<\/jats:p>\n <\/jats:sec>\n \n Results<\/jats:title>\n The DESI-Heart program received ethics approval in July 2024. Recruitment for the pilot trial is scheduled to begin in June 2025 and conclude by September 2025, with participant follow-up expected to be completed by the end of December 2025. All 28 participants have been recruited, and data analysis will be conducted once follow-up is finalized.<\/jats:p>\n <\/jats:sec>\n \n Conclusions<\/jats:title>\n We have co-designed and developed the DESI-Heart program, a culturally and linguistically appropriate self-care intervention aimed at supporting Indian adults with CVD living in Australia. The next step is to conduct a pilot study to assess the feasibility and usability of DESI-Heart, which will inform the design of a larger evaluation trial. DESI-Heart has the potential to complement existing health services by helping individuals with CVD manage their condition within the community, while acknowledging their cultural backgrounds and language preferences.<\/jats:p>\n <\/jats:sec>\n \n International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)<\/jats:title>\n PRR1-10.2196\/78923<\/jats:p>\n <\/jats:sec>","DOI":"10.2196\/78923","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2025,10,8]],"date-time":"2025-10-08T09:35:08Z","timestamp":1759916108000},"page":"e78923","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":2,"title":["Determining the Feasibility and Usability of a Co-Designed Culturally Appropriate Conversational Agent (DESI-Heart) to Support Self-Care in People With Cardiovascular Diseases: Protocol for a Single-Arm Pilot Trial"],"prefix":"10.2196","volume":"14","author":[{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0002-9291-4525","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Ann 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