ABSTRACT
Coronary heart disease has been increasing rabidly in the past two decades and has become the leading cause of death in Palestine. The clinical manifestation of CHD can induce heavy physiopsychosocial impact and great burden on affected individuals. Strategies are directed toward enhancement quality of life for CHD patients; recovery process; and secondary preventive measures to prevent the subsequent high mortality and morbidity rate; promote health status of CHD patients in Palestine. The lack of administrative attention, rehabilitation facilities, and difficulties to access health care centers present a challenge to the implementation of this E-Learning program for CHD patients. This study aim was to assess the effect of an E-learning program on the quality of life [QoL] of patients with coronary heart disease. A quasi-experimental design was applied to 65 intervention patients and 61 control patients with recently diagnosed CHD in Palestine, at Jenin Hospital. An E-learning program was designed by the researcher and implemented for patients in the intervention group. The effect of utilization of the E-learning program was evaluated through a post-test assessment. The study results revealed the two groups were similar in most personal and diseases characteristics. At the post-intervention phase, intervention group patients had better QoL related to physical function and bodily pain. At the follow-up phase, Their QoL was higher in almost all domains compared to control group. The study demonstrated the effectiveness of an E-learning program for patients with CHD, which was reflected positively on their QoL. It is recommended to apply this program in cardiac units and clinics, with orientation programs for nurses on how to develop and apply E-learning materials in patient's education