Patient Experience of Inpatient Education After an Acute Coronary Syndrome Event

Abstract

This study sought to explore the patient’s experience of inpatient health education after leaving hospital from an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) event, to understand areas of strength and opportunities for improvement. This study is a pilot using a qualitative descriptive design, drawing on phenomenological methods. Thirteen adult patients (aged ≥18 years) with a diagnosis of ACS participated in semi-structured telephone interviews held 2 weeks after hospital discharge. Almost half of the participants identified as being New Zealand Māori (46%), Pacific Islander (15%), New Zealand European (15%), Indian (15%), and other European (8%). Research findings were grouped, using thematic analysis, into three key themes: “making sense of my cardiac event”, “moving towards health”, and “building personal connections aids learning”. Multiple personal and system factors were identified that influence patients’ psychological recovery and their level of engagement with health information. The quality of relationships with health professionals encountered shaped patient uptake and investment in the education provided. When patients transitioned home, family and friends aided their return to normal and encouraged motivation towards healthy lifestyle change. This study provides important insights into the impact of an ACS event and identifies areas where health professionals can actively support health literacy and self-care during the transition from hospital to home.