title: Social support and social network after acute myocardial infarction; the critically ill male patient's needs, choice and motives.
abstract: The aim of the pilot study was to find out the need for social support and the choice of social network after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). In an experimental study critically ill male patients (AMI-patients) were enrolled for an intervention group (n = 18) or a control group (n = 18) in accordance with their own choice of caring support. The intervention consisted of a 3-month-caring programme for AMI-patients and their next-of-kin together with an interdisciplinary team. A 10-item questionnaire was developed in order to measure social network and social support at the time of AMI and 3 months later. Nine patients in both groups expressed a need for complementary social support, the character differed between the groups concerning emotional and informative support. Both groups reported sufficient social network built on the family. The intervention group expressed more heart trouble compared to the control group at the time of AMI (p = 0.03). 3 months later the trouble had decreased in the intervention group but increased in the control group. Complementary social support soon after an AMI from care professionals confirms the AMI-patients' recovery and the whole family has to be supported.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Fridlund
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Stener-Bengtsson
authors.forename: A L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Wännman
mesh_terms: D002755:Choice Behavior; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012944:Social Support