Digitalizing patient education: Perspectives on mobile-based learning for pulmonary exercises after coronary artery bypass grafting

Background: Postoperative pulmonary exercises are crucial for recovery after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). However, traditional face-to-face education often fails to translate into sustained patient adherence. While continuous educational support is essential throughout hospitalization and post-discharge, mobile-based platforms offer a promising, accessible avenue to bridge this gap. Purpose: This study explored the perspectives of post-CABG patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs) on the requirements for a mobile-based educational intervention to guide its development. Methods: This is a descriptive qualitative study conducted at a Malaysian public tertiary cardiac center between January and March 2025. Using purposive sampling, 12 patients with CABG and 14 HCPs from cardiothoracic surgery and rehabilitation medicine departments were recruited. Data were collected via face-to-face, semi-structured interviews and analyzed using inductive content analysis. Results: Three key themes were identified: (1) the need for supportive education throughout the care continuum, (2) high readiness to adopt mobile-based learning, and (3) the importance of application usability and personalization. Both patients and HCPs valued continuous education and were receptive to a mobile-based solution. Participants preferred video-based demonstrations, multilingual content, and a user-friendly interface to enhance engagement. Conclusion: A mobile application may be a feasible and preferred platform for supplementing routine education on post-CABG pulmonary exercises. Despite concerns regarding age and digital literacy, stakeholders supported its real-world implementation to evaluate its potential to enhance patient engagement and foster self-directed recovery.