Trial of the effects of an advice and relaxation tape given within the first 24 h of admission to hospital with acute myocardial infarction.
BACKGROUND
The study was performed to examine the effects of giving patients with acute myocardial infarction an advice and relaxation audio tape within 24 h of admission to hospital.


METHODS
A prospective, two-group design was used with 243 subjects randomised to receive either the advice and relaxation tape or a music tape of their choice within 24 h of sustaining a myocardial infarction. Outcomes comprised anxiety, cardiac misconceptions, lifestyle change, attendance at a cardiac rehabilitation programme, and quality of life.


RESULTS
Although the advice and relaxation tape reduced the number of cardiac misconceptions this did not lead to any improvements in outcome, whilst in hospital or at 6 months. Both tapes were equally appreciated by the patients, 98% of whom said that they would recommend them to other patients.


CONCLUSIONS
An advice and relaxation tape reduces cardiac misconceptions but does not confer any other benefits over a music tape.
Lewin
Robert J P
RJ
British Heart Foundation Rehabilitation Research Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, Genesis 6, York Y010 5DQ, UK.
Thompson
David R
DR
Elton
Robert A
RA
D003376:Counseling; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000628:therapy*; D010343:Patient Admission; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012064:Relaxation Therapy; D013997:Time Factors