This study aims to determine the usefulness of providing patients with web-based electronically accessed patient information when compared to the provision of written information leaflets.

Hospitals and health care institutions attempt to provide information to patients through a variety of media including; written information, web-site based information and more recently through the use of smart phone based applications. Such educational campaigns have financial implications for hospitals and institutions.

The level of knowledge among patients with vascular disease of their pathology and its associated risk factors has been shown to be poor (Lovell et al 2009, Hirsch et al 2007). The optimum tool with which to provide information to patients with vascular disease has not been determined to date.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Newly diagnosed abdominal aortic aneurysm, peripheral vascular disease or varicose veins
• Capacity to and willingness to consent to participation in the study
• Adult patients
• In-patient or out-patient status

Exclusion Criteria:

• Previously diagnosed with vascular disease
• Limited capacity or unwilling to consent
• Information already provided by hospital doctor
• Cognitive/intellectual impairment/acquired brain injury/visual impairment
• Qualified medical professionals