Educational avatars for patients with cardiovascular diseases: a scoping review

OBJECTIVE: to map the scientific evidence on the use of educational avatars for patients with cardiovascular diseases. METHODS: a scoping review was conducted according to the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines, with no time limit. The search was conducted in eight databases, in the gray literature, and reverse citation searching. Data extraction and description followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews. RESULTS: a total of 1,405 publications were identified, of which 14 studies were included, all published in English. The studies pointed to good acceptance of avatars by patients for self-management of their health condition, understanding, treatment adherence, promotion of self-care, and improvement in health literacy levels. Methodological diversity was observed, along with important gaps, such as the lack of description of avatar development processes and the scarcity of information on the profile and selection criteria of experts involved in the validation process. CONCLUSION: educational avatars have the potential to complement clinical practice and the promotion of cardiovascular health. Further studies are needed in different contexts to ensure effective, accessible, and patient-centered tools.