Come aumentare le conoscenze dei pazienti con cardiopatia ischemica sulla loro malattia? Utilità di un incontro educazionale tenuto da infermieri

BACKGROUND: Most patients discharged after an acute coronary event or a coronary revascularization do not have adequate knowledge of the nature of their disease and of the importance of a correct lifestyle. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of an educational intervention led by nurses for patients admitted to hospital for coronary heart disease (CHD). METHODS: Since May 2003, regular health education meetings for inpatients with CHD and their relatives have been held by the nurses of the Cardiology Division of the Desio hospital. The topics covered are the nature of CHD, its risk factors and the prevention of recurrences. Before and after the meeting, a questionnaire is administered to explore patients' level of knowledge. RESULTS: From May 2003 to September 2004, 201 patients attended the meetings (151 men and 50 women, aged from 37 to 89 years). The majority (n=152, 76%) were admitted for an acute coronary syndrome. Attendance at the meeting significantly increased the patients' understanding of atherosclerosis (from 44 to 85%, p < 0.0001), coronary vessel function (from 56 to 92%, p < 0.0001) and the causes of cardiac necrosis or ischemia (from 58 to 88%, p < 0.0001). Their awareness of the importance of correct lifestyles increased, especially the number of patients willing to increase fruit and vegetable consumption (from 56 to 77%, p < 0.0001) or to increase physical activity (from 51 to 69%, p < 0.0001) to avoid a recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: A health education meeting organized by nurses for patients admitted for CHD improves their knowledge of their illness and awareness of the benefits of correct lifestyles to prevent worsening of their disease.