The PUMP UP tailored computerized program for heart failure care

Heart failure is nearing epidemic proportions and there is a need for innovative approaches to care that facilitate learning and behavioral change in order to improve health outcomes. This article discusses the development and pilot testing of the PUMP UP program, a tailored computerized intervention, designed to improve 4 health outcomes. The development phases included evaluation of knowledge and design and computerization of the intervention. Pilot testing was completed with 12 patients recruited from primary medicine clinics. Patients completed a baseline telephone interview; follow-up data were obtained immediately after the intervention clinic visit and at 4, 8, and 26 weeks after the visit. Four of the 12 patients met the outcome of improved provider adherence to guidelines. Health-related quality of life scores improved at 26 weeks after baseline. The PUMP UP program was informative and feasible to deliver. It is now ready for testing in intervention studies with larger samples.