Deliverable 4.3 - Psychological DSS for CHF

The deliverable presents the integration of medical advices provided by the DSS with structured psychological interventions based on three main components: cognitive dissonance, mindfulness exercises and cognitive behavioural advices adapted to the psychological profile of the patient (Task 4.4). All activities of T4.4 were carried out successfully. We reviewed with specialized psychologists the best CBT to address psychological comorbidities with DSS, such as anxiety and depression related to chronic disease. The first component was based on CBT strategies integrated with medical DSS to improve the behavioral repertoire related to physical exercise and to follow a correct diet. The cognitive dissonance solver was the second component implemented applying the refurbishment of ineffective thinking (cognitive dissonance) based on the assessment of thoughts, beliefs and attitudes, through dedicated questionnaires to improve adherence of medical advices. The third component was based on management of exercises of relaxation and mindfulness based on games, mindful messages and experiential audio files to make the patients more aware of the present moment and to help them to see their illness in a new light, without allowing fear to consume them and drive unhealthy behaviors. In this context, we also designed how these contents have to interact with the medical DSS and the mobile application interface with the user. The final implementation and integration of the psychological components with medical DSS will be carried out in WP5. When the psychological interventions become operational, we expect to get additional data of better quality, which we will use to further improve the psychological model and possibly develop and integrate new decision support rules.