JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Childhood heart failure is a factor in many hospital admissions each year. It can impose a steep learning curve for parents who need to learn the key information to care for their child at home. In this study, we conducted an environmental scan to identify and assess web-based knowledge translation tools about childhood heart failure for parent audiences developed within North America.

Objective:

The aim of this study is to inventory tool publicly available to parents about childhood heart failure from popular web-based venues, and assess each how each tool communicates health information and explore how they were developed.

Methods:

Modelled after previously published environmental scan methods, our search strategy included searching two popular internet-based venues including: 1) two App stores (Google PlayTM and Apple AppTM) and 2) GoogleTM search. Common search terms were used and results were uploaded to Microsoft Excel for screening amongst two reviewers. Inclusion criteria included: 1) content primarily focused on educating parents about their child’s heart failure, 2) English language, and 3) tools originated within North American. Two reviewers screened the application (app) store and internet search results for relevant tools. Each tool was assessed using the Suitability Assessment of Materials (SAM), a validated tool that objectively assesses the literacy of health information for a particular audience. Key informants who were involved in the tool development were invited for a qualitative interview using semi structured interview guide to provide more adjunct data about the development process. Frequencies were reported to summarize App and Internet screening and SAM rating results. Key themes were identified in the semi-structured interview process.

Results:

No applications exist for parents relating to pediatric heart failure. Seventeen relevant internet tools were identified, and their suitability was assessed for the parent audience. The tools scored well in the layout and type but lower in the readability and graphics scores. Qualitative interviews with key informants revealed three key themes: 1) timely & introductory knowledge, 2) credible & trustworthy knowledge, and 3) challenges & evolution in knowledge.

Conclusions:

This is the first environmental scan looking for parent tool relating to childhood heart failure. Findings from this study reveal that no tools scored in the superior range using the Suitability of Materials Assessment and that further work in the area of knowledge translation targeting parents needs to be done to provide effective education for this parent population. These findings will inform the development of a new resource on children’s heart failure. Clinical Trial: Not applicable