Study of patients' psychological attitudes to a coronary care unit

Seventy-four consecutive male patients aged 38 to 63 years were admitted to a coronary care unit with their first myocardial infarction. Their attitude to the unit was studied by interview and personality tests. Only six patients found the unit anxiety-provoking. Dependency feelings were found to occur frequently, both after transfer from the unit to the general wards and after discharge from hospital. It is suggested that the weaning process from the unit should be gradual and that at least one follow-up outpatient appointment should be arranged, as well as good liaison between the family doctor and the hospital.