Between algorithmic alerts and bodily sensations: a qualitative study of post-PCI patients' experiences with wrist-worn heart health information
- 1Department of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology
Abstract
Background: Smart wrist-worn devices are increasingly used by patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to monitor heart rate, rhythm-related alerts, sleep, activity, and other health-related data. However, limited qualitative evidence exists on how post-PCI patients interpret and respond to such information in daily life.
Objective: This study aimed to explore how patients with coronary heart disease after PCI understand, evaluate, and respond to heart rate, heart rhythm, and health-related information generated by smart wrist-worn devices.
Methods: A qualitative descriptive design was adopted. From January to May 2026, purposive sampling was used to recruit 23 post-PCI patients who had used smartwatches or smart bands in daily life. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Data collection and analysis were conducted concurrently until data saturation was achieved.
Results: Four themes were developed: (1) cardiac status became continuously datafied; (2) calibrating risk between alerts and sensations; (3) device information awaited medical interpretation; and (4) from self-management to disease burden. Patients did not simply accept or reject device-generated data. Instead, they interpreted alerts by comparing them with bodily sensations, previous cardiac events, stent implantation experiences, follow-up results, and healthcare professionals' explanations. Device information could enhance awareness of medication use, follow-up, and lifestyle management. However, when alerts lacked medical interpretation or follow-up response, they also increased uncertainty, worry, repeated self-monitoring, and perceived disease burden.
Conclusions: Smart wrist-worn devices may support daily observation and clinician–patient communication in post-PCI management, but they should not be regarded as substitutes for clinical examinations or professional judgment. Clearer interpretive boundaries, stratified guidance, and follow-up response pathways are needed to help patients appropriately understand and act on device-generated information.
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BibTeX
@article{tong2026between,
title = {{Between algorithmic alerts and bodily sensations: a qualitative study of post-PCI patients' experiences with wrist-worn heart health information}},
author = {Angang Tong and Ruiqi Luo and Pan Jin and Cuihuan Wu},
journal = {Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.3389/fcvm.2026.1926958},
url = {https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcvm.2026.1926958/full},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Between algorithmic alerts and bodily sensations: a qualitative study of post-PCI patients' experiences with wrist-worn heart health information
AU - Angang Tong
AU - Ruiqi Luo
AU - Pan Jin
AU - Cuihuan Wu
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/19
JO - Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine
DO - 10.3389/fcvm.2026.1926958
UR - https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcvm.2026.1926958/full
AB - Background: Smart wrist-worn devices are increasingly used by patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to monitor heart rate, rhythm-related alerts, sleep, activity, and other health-related data. However, limited qualitative evidence exists on how post-PCI patients interpret and respond to such information in daily life. Objective: This study aimed to explore how patients with coronary heart disease after PCI understand, evaluate, and respond to heart rate, heart rhythm, and health-related information generated by smart wrist-worn devices. Methods: A qualitative descriptive design was adopted. From January to May 2026, purposive sampling was used to recruit 23 post-PCI patients who had used smartwatches or smart bands in daily life. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Data collection and analysis were conducted concurrently until data saturation was achieved. Results: Four themes were developed: (1) cardiac status became continuously datafied; (2) calibrating risk between alerts and sensations; (3) device information awaited medical interpretation; and (4) from self-management to disease burden. Patients did not simply accept or reject device-generated data. Instead, they interpreted alerts by comparing them with bodily sensations, previous cardiac events, stent implantation experiences, follow-up results, and healthcare professionals' explanations. Device information could enhance awareness of medication use, follow-up, and lifestyle management. However, when alerts lacked medical interpretation or follow-up response, they also increased uncertainty, worry, repeated self-monitoring, and perceived disease burden. Conclusions: Smart wrist-worn devices may support daily observation and clinician–patient communication in post-PCI management, but they should not be regarded as substitutes for clinical examinations or professional judgment. Clearer interpretive boundaries, stratified guidance, and follow-up response pathways are needed to help patients appropriately understand and act on device-generated information.
SN - 2297-055X
ER -