Development of a telemedicine group educational program for patients with heart failure: A delphi study

AIMS: Evidence regarding the most effective and feasible videoconferencing group educational program for patients with heart failure is still equivocal. This study aimed to reach consensus about the structure, acceptability, and feasibility of videoconferencing for people with heart failure in Jordan that improves access to healthcare and clinical outcomes. METHODS: There were two Delphi survey studies of three rounds each. Delphi one survey involved 32 healthcare staff, experienced in heart failure clinical practice and telehealth, to obtain a consensus of opinion on a proposed group videoconferencing program for patients with heart failure. Delphi two involved seven staff of the information technology center, experienced in videoconferencing and using supporting applications, to obtain their consensus on the current capabilities of the healthcare system and patients about information technology. Descriptive statistics were used for each item to determine whether consensus was achieved or not. Items that received 80% disagreement or 80% agreement of participants were not presented for re-rating in the third round, while the items that scored varying degrees of agreement were presented for experts for re-rating. RESULTS: In Delphi one a group of items reached consensus regarding structure, factors influencing, and effectiveness of the videoconferencing program. In Delphi two, the findings indicated that videoconferencing modality is applicable and feasible in Jordan. CONCLUSION: This is the first study that addresses the equivocal evidence for the design and implementation of heart failure videoconferencing programs. The framework of the current proposed program can be utilized as a guideline to test or develop a future videoconference program.