Patients' information needs following myocardial infarction

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the patients' perception of information needs following myocardial infarction. This study was conducted by applying a quantitative research design. The data was collected by delivering a structured questionnaire with 10 patients who were visiting the cardiologist at the outpatient's department for their first visit following their myocardial infarction. After a thorough literature understanding, the researcher herself with the help of her supervisors designed the schedule for the distribution of the questionnaire. A Maltese and English version of the questionnaire was prepared to address both the English and Maltese speaking patients. The main findings of this study were that patients perceive the domain 'risk factors' as the most important needed information, followed by the categories 'physical activity' 'psychological factors', 'dietary information', 'medical information'. The categories 'anatomy and physiology' and 'introduction to the CCU' were considered as 'moderately important' to know by most patients. Finally, this research study enhances the insight into the patients' perception of information needs following myocardial infarction. It also recommends ways of how nurses can improve their information giving, in the future.