Publication
Title
Effectiveness and usability of an online tailored education platform for atrial fibrillation patients undergoing a direct current cardioversion or pulmonary vein isolation
Author
Abstract
Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) care should strive for more informed, involved and empowered patients. However, few effective educational programs are available. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an online tailored education platform to inform AF patients undergoing a direct current cardioversion (DCC) or a pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). Methods 120 AF patients requiring DCC or PVI were allocated to an online education group (n = 35), a standard care group despite having online access (n = 36; randomized with group 1), and a group without a computer/tablet/smartphone receiving standard care (n = 49). The Jessa Atrial fibrillation Knowledge Questionnaire (JAKQ), supplemented with procedure-specific questions, had to be completed 13 weeks before hospitalization, at hospitalization, and 6 and/or 12 weeks post-procedurally. Results Major AF-related and procedure-related knowledge gaps were shown. The online tailored education group scored significantly better at hospitalization compared to baseline (P = 0.001). This knowledge increase was retained after 6 (P = 0.010) and 12 (P < 0.001) weeks. In the online standard care group there was no change in knowledge from planning till hospitalization (P = 1.000), although knowledge was improved 6 weeks post-procedurally (P = 0.010). Knowledge did not improve in the group without computer/tablet/smartphone at any time (P = 0.248). Most patients indicated that the platform was easy to use (87.9%), understandable (97.0%), and 72.7% indicated that an online platform was their preferred way to receive future AF-related information. Conclusions Tailored online education is an effective strategy to improve AF- and procedure-related knowledge with lasting effects up to 12 weeks post-procedurally. The platform was positively evaluated by patients.
Language
English
Source (journal)
International journal of cardiology. - Amsterdam, 1981, currens
Publication
Amsterdam : 2018
ISSN
0167-5273
DOI
10.1016/J.IJCARD.2018.07.065
Volume/pages
272 (2018) , p. 123-129
ISI
000446025200026
Pubmed ID
30049498
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 11.10.2018
Last edited 09.10.2023
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