An evaluation of an inpatient cardiac patient/family education program

A study to (1) evaluate the impact of a patient education program on the patient's knowledge regarding his/her illness and (2) identify obstacles to compliance behavior after discharge was conducted over a 2-year period. A population of 342 patients with ischemic heart disease was assigned to an inpatient cardiac patient education program consisting of five daily 1-hour classes. The following patient data were gathered: (1) assessment of the individual's knowledge of his/her illness; (2) selected sociodemographic information, (3) measures of general intelligence and problem-solving ability, and (4) motivation to alter risk factors. A measure of compliance with the prescribed treatment plan was obtained by telephone for all patients 4 weeks after discharge. Patients were randomly assigned such that one group received a pretest and a posttest assessment of knowledge while a second group received only the posttest assessment. A difference score t test on knowledge scores was statistically significant. A regression analysis of predictors of overall compliance scores after discharge demonstrated that indicators of motivation were most highly correlated with compliance. It was concluded that additional research is needed to identify: (1) types of information that enhance the patient's awareness of his/her illness and (2) program structures and techniques that enhance patient motivation to comply with a prescribed treatment plan.