Development and Evaluation of a Web-based Group Cognitive-behavioral Therapy Program for Coronary Artery Heart Disease Patients

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective in reducing the level of anger, hostility and depression present in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients.In Taiwan, Weng et al. also confirmed the eight-week group CBT program not only diminished the emotion disturbances including anger, hostility and depression of CAD, but also significantly prolonged the coagulation time, thus reducing the rate of thrombosis formation. Even though the therapeutic effect of the CBT program was valid, this program is still not accessible for some patients in need because they are not aware of it, or they are restricted by time and transportation. Internet-based therapeutic intervention can overcome the obstacles to access this program at any time and in any place. Presently, structured CBT intervention is provided through the Internet and used widely by patients with physical or psychological problems such as smoking, obesity, or headaches, but not by CAD patients. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to evaluate the effects to reduce the psychological risk factors of a web-based group CBT program in CAD patients. Follow-up assessments will be performed after 3 and 6-month durations. The investigators expect that, after an eight-week group intervention, there will be significant decrease of the psychological risk factors. Moreover, the therapeutic effects can be maintained during the three- and six-month follow-up.evaluate In addition, web-based cognitive -behavioral group therapy will significantly reduce indirect medical costs (travel time and money).