title: Effect of a postdischarge education class on coronary artery disease knowledge and self-reported health-promoting behaviors.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Waukesha Memorial Hospital, Heart Care Center, Waukesha Memorial Hospital, WI 53188, USA.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Plach
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Wierenga
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Heidrich
mesh_terms: 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