Effects of a Tablet Computer on Self-care, Quality of Life, and Knowledge: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Conflicting results have been reported for telemonitoring in patients with heart failure (HF). We wanted to evaluate whether patients using a tablet computer aimed at improving self-care behavior could do so and also whether it affects quality of life and health-related quality of life, disease knowledge, and in-hospital days. Methods and Results: Patients with HF (n = 82) were randomized to the intervention group (IG) with a tablet computer (giving information and advice) or the control group (CG) that was subject to standard care. Study was completed by 72 patients, with a mean (SD) age of 75 (8) years, 68% male, and 74% NYHA class III. Self-care behavior measured with the 9-item European Heart Failure Self-Care Behaviour Scale, health related quality of life measured by the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire, quality of life measured by the Swedish version of the Health Survey, knowledge measured by the Dutch Heart Failure Knowledge Scale, days in hospital, and adherence were analyzed. The IG displayed better 9-item European Heart Failure Self-Care Behaviour Scale score (median IG, 16.5 [interquartile range {IQR}, 12–22], vs median CG, 23.5 [IQR, 18.8–30.0]; P
Source: Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing - Category: Nursing Tags: ARTICLES: Randomized Controlled Trials Source Type: research