Educational process in patients after myocardial infarction

Abstract

Aim: The study aimed to determine the effect of education on the prevalence of risk factors and adherence to lifestyle measures in post-myocardial infarction patients. Design: A clinical, interventional, explanatory study. Methods: The sample (n = 165) comprised consecutive patients hospitalized for acute myocardial infarction. The interventional, explanatory study followed changes in two cohorts: intervention (n = 68) and control (n = 97). The intervention (prospective) group consisted of patients educated by a nurse using a previously developed nursing standard. The control (retrospective) group comprised patients who received no education on myocardial infarction provided by nurses. Results: After one-year follow-up, patients in the intervention group had statistically better knowledge about their condition (p < 0.001) and used their medication more regularly (p < 0.001) than controls. At one year, systolic blood pressure and total cholesterol decreased by a mean of 2.5 mmHg and 0.3 mmol/l, respectively, in intervention group participants. As early as after one month, patients in this group increased their physical activity by a mean of 35 minutes per week. Conclusion: Post-myocardial infarction patients educated according to the developed nursing care standard were shown to better adhere to their pharmacological therapy and lifestyle changes.