We assessed the effectiveness of two methods of patient education, a printed manual and a Website, provided to patients waiting for cardiac surgery. The four-phase study was conducted over two and a half years, and included urban and rural subjects in Vancouver and the interior of British Columbia. The Website was based on the specially developed patient education manual. A pilot evaluation study was carried out to assess the features of the Website and to ensure it was 'user-friendly', after which it was revised. The two education methods were evaluated using both qualitative and quantitative studies. Findings supported the feasibility and viability of both formats. The Web-based format demonstrated two additional benefits over the print-based format, namely increased social support and decreased anxiety. Other findings included the perception of increased support, lifestyle changes and more positive attitudes towards the impending surgery.