02314nas a2200205   4500000000100000008004100001100001400042700001500056700001400071700001300085700001600098700001600114700001400130245009900144250001500243300001100258490000700269520178600276020004602062       2011                            d1 aBriffa T.1 aAscanio R.1 aBauman A.1 aClark A.1 aFreedman B.1 aNeubeck Lis1 aRedfern J00aPlanning locally relevant Internet programs for secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease  a2010/09/03  a213-200 v103 a<p>
BACKGROUND: Although the Internet has been shown to be an effective tool for supporting behavioural change in other chronic diseases, less in known about the efficacy of, or need for, Internet-based interventions in the prevention of coronary heart disease (CHD). AIMS: We investigated computer literacy, consumer need and perceived usefulness of the Internet as a secondary prevention tool in people with CHD. METHODS: A two-step mixed-method process was used that included a survey and two focus groups. The 12-item survey explored participants' access and confidence using the Internet. For the focus groups, we used standard methodology. RESULTS: We recruited 66 (88% response rate) consecutive cardiac patients; age 36-73 years (mean 64+/-13), mostly male (85%), whose primary language was predominantly English (67%). Seventy percent had a home computer with Internet access but only 20% reported researching their heart-health online. There was polarity between those with and without Internet access. Further, we found less women than men could complete online forms (p=0.03) and that participants aged over 65 years were less likely to access the Internet (p&lt;0.01) and had lower confidence (p&lt;0.01) than younger counterparts. Focus groups revealed challenges of an online secondary prevention service, but participants valued relevant, practical advice and placed strong emphasis on simple web design. CONCLUSION: Using a mixed-methods process we collected locally sensitive information about Internet usage and recommendations for future online health-management strategies. Some patients have more confidence using the Internet, therefore a range of multi-technological secondary prevention interventions should be considered based on individual need.
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