Effect of a postdischarge education class on coronary artery disease knowledge and self-reported health-promoting behaviors.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effect of a single 2-hour postdischarge education class on knowledge and health-promoting behaviors of patients undergoing cardiac catheterization.


METHODS
Descriptive, two-group, posttest survey.


METHODS
Midwestern community hospital.


METHODS
One hundred fourteen patients who had experienced a cardiac catheterization, 53 patients who had attended a postdischarge coronary artery disease education class, and 61 patients who had not attended the class.


METHODS
Knowledge of coronary artery disease and coronary artery disease risk factor, and health-promoting behaviors.


RESULTS
Those who attended the postdischarge class scored significantly higher on both knowledge and health-promoting behaviors.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients who attended a single 2-hour postdischarge education class had significantly higher knowledge of coronary artery disease and coronary artery disease risk factors. Knowledge may better prepare people to increase health-promoting behaviors.
Plach
S
S
Waukesha Memorial Hospital, Heart Care Center, Waukesha Memorial Hospital, WI 53188, USA.
Wierenga
M E
ME
Heidrich
S M
SM
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D006328:Cardiac Catheterization; D003327:Coronary Disease; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010351:Patient Discharge; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors