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Computer-based education for patients with chronic heart failure. A randomised, controlled, multicentre trial of the effects on knowledge, compliance and quality of life [with consumer summary]
Stromberg A, Dahlstrom U, Fridlund B
Patient Education and Counseling 2006 Dec;64(1-3):128-135
clinical trial
6/10 [Eligibility criteria: No; Random allocation: Yes; Concealed allocation: Yes; Baseline comparability: Yes; Blind subjects: No; Blind therapists: No; Blind assessors: No; Adequate follow-up: Yes; Intention-to-treat analysis: No; Between-group comparisons: Yes; Point estimates and variability: Yes. Note: Eligibility criteria item does not contribute to total score] *This score has been confirmed*

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of a single-session, interactive computer-based educational program on knowledge, compliance and quality of life in heart failure patients with special emphasis on gender differences. METHODS: One hundred and fifty-four patients, mean age 70 years, from five heart failure clinics were randomised to either receiving only standard education (n = 72) or standard education and additional computer-based education (n = 82). RESULTS: Knowledge was increased in both groups after 1 month with a trend towards higher knowledge (p = 0.07) in the computer-based group. The increase in knowledge was significantly higher in the computer-based group after 6 months (p = 0.03). No differences were found between the groups with regard to compliance with treatment and self-care or quality of life. The women had significantly lower quality of life and did not improve after 6 months as the men did (p = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Computer-based education gave increased knowledge about heart failure. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Computers can be a useful tool in heart failure education, but to improve compliance a single-session educational intervention is not sufficient. Gender differences in learning and quality of life should be further evaluated.
With permission from Excerpta Medica Inc.

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