The development of an interactive education program for heart failure patients: the Kodak Photo CD Portfolio concept

Written information, as well as movie and video film, and computer programs have been used for information and education of patients. CD-ROM is now about to be used for the same purpose. The CD has several advantages over computer programs, such as high capacity and low production, duplication and distribution costs. It is unerasable and insensitive to electromagnetic forces. Heart failure (HF) is a common disease with poor prognosis. Due to diagnostic and treatment improvements new guidelines on evaluation and care of patients with HF have been published. Some advocate educational programs as a routine part of the care. Patients with HF (mostly elderly persons) use many drugs and need considerable education for effective self-care. To improve HF patients' knowledge of the disease and the drug treatment of the disease we have made an interactive, computer generated education program which is presented on a Kodak Photo CD Portfolio disc. The major steps and efforts in the development of the program, which uses a new principle, are explained, including some hardware and software issues. The program can be viewed on an ordinary TV set and run by the patients themselves. Unlike many educational products for health care professionals and patients, this product has now been included in a randomised patient education trial.