A checklist to improve patient education in a cardiology outpatient setting

A randomised controlled trial with process evaluation was conducted (n=103) to study the use and impact of a Frequently Asked Questions checklist as a means to prepare coronary outpatients for a regular visit to their cardiologist. It was hypothesised that use of the checklist would result in better patient-doctor communication, lower state anxiety and higher knowledge scores among patients, resulting in greater patient satisfaction. The patients in the experimental group (n=53) received the checklist, with written instructions in addition to a brochure from the Dutch Heart Foundation, at home to prepare for their visit. The control patients only received the brochure. State anxiety immediately before the visit was significantly lower among experimental patients. No significant differences in patient satisfaction or knowledge were found. Using the checklist did not result in longer patient-doctor consultations. Experimental patients regarded the checklist as a useful tool to prepare for their visits to the clinic. We conclude that the checklist may be a useful tool for cardiac patients to prepare for their visits to their cardiologist.