Web-based education and support for patients on the cardiac surgery waiting list

We assessed the effectiveness of two methods of patient education, a printe d manual and a Website, provided to patients waiting for cardiac surgery. T he four-phase study was conducted over two and a half years, and included u rban and rural subjects in Vancouver and the interior of British Columbia. The Website was based on the specially developed patient education manual. A pilot evaluation study was carried out to assess the features of the Webs ite and to ensure it was 'user-friendly', after which it was revised. The t wo education methods were evaluated using both qualitative and quantitative studies. Findings supported the feasibility and viability of both formats. The Web-based format demonstrated two additional benefits over the print-b ased format, namely increased social support and decreased anxiety. Other f indings included the perception of increased support, lifestyle changes and more positive attitudes towards the impending surgery.