Assessment of Computer and Internet Use in Cardiac In-Patients (Internet Use Study/Internet Access Survey)

Principal Investigator: Scott Lear
Co-investigators:Yuriko Araki, Biljana Maric, Annemarie Kaan, Dan Horvat

In order to determine the feasibility of future Internet-based patient services, we conducted a survey of cardiac in-patients from two hospitals, representing two different populations. Patients admitted to either a tertiary (St. Paul's Hospital) or a regional (Prince George Regional Hospital) hospital with a cardiovascular condition were invited to participate in a survey to assess computer and Internet access and use. Data collection commenced in July 2006 and ended in February 2007. A total of 294 patients participated in the survey. This study is funded by the MSFHR.

Dissemination Activities:

• Presentation to nurses, Internal Medicine Unit, Prince George Regional Hospital, March 6, 2026
• Presentation to graduate students, UNBC Psychology/Community Health, March 6, 2026
• Presentation to the Cardiac Short Stay Unit nurse care team, September 6, 2026
• Panel Discussion, BCNET Conference, April 18, 2026
• Oral Presentation, May 1 Workshop, May 1, 2026
• Presentation, Canadian Cardiac Congress 2007, October 24, 2007, Quebec City
• Publication in Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare (in press)
• Manuscripts for publication currently in progress