Initial Test of the Time to Talk CARDIO (Creating a Real Dialogue In the Office) Program

Beta Test of the Time to Talk CARDIO (Creating a Real Dialogue In the Office) Web-based Tool for Improving Communication Between Patients and Health Care Professionals

This research focuses on communication practices between patients and health care professionals, like nurses, doctors, or physician assistants. The goal is to help improve communication about heart health issues.

This pilot (or Beta) study is designed to test our ability to recruit an appropriate sample of participants, and determine our ability to deliver and evaluate the effects of a web-based intervention. The investigators hypothesize that exposure to the intervention will result in measurable changes in self-reported knowledge, attitudes and behavior regarding communication between patients and health care professionals.

Participants in this research study are being recruited from the people who currently receive care at the Richmond Family Health Center of the Oregon Health & Science University. People who participate in this study will be between 55 and 70 years old, speak English as their preferred language, and have one of several possible diagnoses related to heart health. These could include, for example, hypertension, diabetes, asthma, or obesity.

Additionally, the investigators are recruiting a small number of health care professionals from the Richmond Family Health Center. Their participation will be similar to but separate from the participation of patients.

All participants will take two web-based surveys. Some participants will use a web-based tool that hopes to help improve communication between health care professionals and patients.

The surveys contain questions that explore the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of participants related to heart health and communication between health care professionals and patients.

Data analysis will focus upon identifying any changes that occurred in knowledge, attitudes, or behaviors with respect to health communication after using the web-based tool, as well as learning about what influences the quality and nature of communication between health care professionals and the patients they serve.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 55-70 years
• English is preferred language
• Has one or more chronic cardiovascular-related diagnosis or risk factor
• Has an appointment with Primary Care provider within 2 weeks of enrollment

Exclusion Criteria:

• Inadequate vision or hearing to complete on-line assessment