Online patient support systems – is there a need? Available to Purchase

A survey of cardiac patients, their relatives and friends and local GPs was conducted to establish whether there is a need for an online patient support system. In November 2000, 859 patients, 360 relatives and 160 friends attending cardiac out‐patients completed a questionnaire, 159 GPs were contacted by postal survey. Participants were asked if they use e‐mail and the World Wide Web and if obtaining relevant health information via an online support system would be beneficial. Participants were also asked to select preferred subject options. The survey showed clear interest in the provision of a Web‐based support service for cardiac patients and a pilot would be pursued.