title: Evaluation of a Web-based education and counseling pilot program for older heart failure patients.
abstract: Web-based communication has been reported as a feasible management tool for heart failure (HF) patients and has also been documented to positively impact quality of life (QOL). The feasibility and effectiveness of a Web-based educational and HF management program among older HF patients (60 years and older), however, have not been previously explored. Therefore, a prospective study was conducted. QOL (physical and mental health) and perceived control (PC) scores of 40 participants were measured (baseline and 3 months) and retrospectively compared with an age- and sex-matched control group of 40 patients receiving HF care as usual. Between-group differences over time were statistically significant in the QOL mental health component and PC scores. The authors' findings demonstrate the beneficial effects of a Web-based program on QOL and PC in older patients with HF. This approach may be potentially beneficial in delivering educational and behavioral support to this high-risk group in ways that are affordable and accessible.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing, California State University-Fullerton, Fullerton, CA, USA. ccanary@fullerton.edu
authors.forename: Cheryl
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Westlake
authors.forename: Lorraine S
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Evangelista
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Strömberg
authors.forename: Alvina
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ter-Galstanyan
authors.forename: Sondra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Vazirani
authors.forename: Kathleen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Dracup
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D003376:Counseling / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006302:Health Services Research; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D020407:Internet / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008297:Male; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D020377:Self Efficacy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires