A qualitative study of the information needs of acute myocardial infarction patients, and their preferences for follow-up contact after discharge.
BACKGROUND
Several studies have claimed that patients have unmet information needs after discharge following acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Our overall goal is to develop a post-discharge nursing intervention program to provide patients with appropriate information and support in contexts where existing follow-up services are poorly developed.


OBJECTIVE
To explore the information needs of inpatients with AMI and their preferences for follow-up contact after discharge from hospital.


METHODS
Fourteen AMI patients aged 42-69 years participated in one of three focus groups, held between 3 and 5 months after their discharge.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings are grouped into three themes corresponding to the major topics in the interview guide: the hospital stay, coming home, and patients' follow-up preferences. The data support the findings of previous studies that there is a systemic failure to meet patients' in-hospital and post-discharge information needs. Most importantly, our participants' follow-up preferences favoured open telephone lines and telephone follow-up. The results of this study provide some of the knowledge that is necessary to improve patient information and support following AMI.
Hanssen
Tove Aminda
TA
Centre for Clinical Research, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway. tove.aminda.hanssen@helse-bergen.no
Nordrehaug
Jan Erik
JE
Hanestad
Berit Rokne
BR
D000328:Adult; D000359:Aftercare / Q000523:psychology / Q000592:standards*; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002755:Choice Behavior; D003289:Convalescence / Q000523:psychology; D005239:Fear; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D008132:Loneliness; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D009664:Norway; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010351:Patient Discharge / Q000592:standards*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000592:standards*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013689:Telephone; D035501:Uncertainty