The evaluation of this pilot adopted a multi-pronged approach comprised of six elements.

Outline

1. A series of Conduct focus groups with patients and healthcare professionals to explore the overall concept and physical design of the PHD;
2. the identification of the primary stakeholders (patients, patients’ families and professionals) and their different scenarios and experiences in relation to their heart conditions;
3. the quantitative assessment of the distribution, usage and rating of the PHD through a patient survey;
4. the qualitative understanding of the experience and value of the PHD, including its initial ‘delivery’ to patients, its subsequent use by patients, their families, and health professionals, and its positive and negative impacts on these groups;
5. the dynamic evaluation of changes over time, by comparing initial impressions with subsequent usage and impact; and
6. the contextualisation of the PHD alongside other impacts on the lives of patients in relation to their heart condition, in order to better determine which changes are likely to be due to the PHD and which are not.