Coronary care and rehabilitation: patient and spouse responses

Responses and attitudes of 33 patients and their spouses to management during and after myocardial infarction were assessed by questionnaire and interview. The needs of both not only changed between the time of acute illness and recovery but also frequently differed. Desire for more information both in hospital and after discharge was emphasised. The perceived educational role of coronary care nurses differed from that of doctors. We conclude that it should be directed towards providing patients and families with general information and facilitating doctor/patient communication, rather than replacing that of the doctor in providing information about the patient's own condition and management. The rehabilitative programme appeared to help patients and families cope with what were frequently profound emotional stresses during early convalescence. As a result of this study we have looked more critically at some aspects of our patient management whilst the value of others has been reinforced.