Effects of an interactive CD-program on 6 months readmission rate in patients with heart failure - a randomised, controlled trial [NCT00311194].
BACKGROUND
Disease-management programmes including patient education have promoted improvement in outcome for patients with heart failure. However, there is sparse evidence concerning which component is essential for success, and very little is known regarding the validity of methods or material used for the education.


METHODS
Effects of standard information to heart failure patients given prior to discharge from hospital were compared with additional education by an interactive program on all-cause readmission or death within 6 months. As a secondary endpoint, patients' general knowledge of heart failure and its treatment was tested after 2 months.


RESULTS
Two hundred and thirty patients were randomised to standard information (S) or additional CD-ROM education (E). In (S) 52 % reached the endpoint vs. 49 % in (E). This difference was not significant. Of those who completed the questionnaire (37 %), patients in (E) achieved better knowledge and a marginally better outcome.


CONCLUSIONS
The lack of effect on the readmission rate could be due to an insufficient sample size but might also indicate that in pharmacologically well-treated patients there is little room for altering the course of the condition. As there was some indication that patients who knew more about their condition might fare better, the place for intensive education and support of heart failure patients has yet to be determined.
Linné
Agneta Björck
AB
Drug and Therapeutics Committee, Malmö University Hospital, MFC, Ing 59, S-205 02 Malmoe, Sweden. agneta-bjork.linne@med.lu.se
Liedholm
Hans
H
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019034:CD-I; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000628:therapy*; D006764:Hospitals, Community; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D010359:Patient Readmission; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016019:Survival Analysis; D013548:Sweden