An individualized teaching programme following primary uncomplicated myocardial infarction

This paper describes the planning and implementation of an individualized teaching programme for patients and their families following primary uncomplicated myocardial infarction. This preliminary study was designed and implemented by a senior nurse while working in the clinical area. Patients were randomly allocated to a control or study group. Both groups of patients were interviewed on the fourth day following admission to hospital and again at 2 and 6 months after discharge. Nurse intervention in the form of individually planned consecutive teaching sessions achieved a reduction in anxiety and modification of identifiable risk factors (smoking, obesity, diet, exercise) in the patients included in the teaching programme.