Educational Role of Nurses to Patients who have Experienced an Acut Cardiac Event: A Pilot Study in Albania

Abstract

Background: The significant role of integrating education in a rehabilitation programme has been widely acknowledged by all health professionals. Therapies that have been shown to reduce these risks (secondary prevention of modifiable risk factors) continue to be underutilized. Cardiac educational programs are intended to prevent the recurrence of cardiac event and improve patients' quality of life. However, patients' information requests have historically not been well met by physicians and nurses in Albania. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of nursing education of patients, who have experienced an acute cardiac event, about modifiable risk factors of cardiovascular diseases. Methods: This is a descriptive study. We recruited 100 patients after a cardiac event, between the ages of 33-78 years. Self-report questionnaires, which included general characteristics, disease-related characteristics and a pre-test/post-test design was conducted to assess needs of the patients, changes in knowledge and self-care abilities. Results: We found that more than 90% of patients desired information, particularly about heart failure symptoms, time to notify healthcare providers, prognosis, and exercise/physical activity. Of the 100 participants 61% were male, 59% were aged between 55 and 74 years, and 31.6% had not completed ten years education. . Both women and men evidenced significant improvements in their diet, exercise, blood pressure, quality of life and stress management practices, which they maintained over the 6 months of the study. There was a statistically significantly difference in the pre-and post-test scores for knowledge (p <0.05). Conclusions: There is a lack of good level of knowledge among patients after an acute cardiac event. Implementing aggressive educational strategies is of utmost importance in Albanian population for preventing the rising prevalence of these diseases. Relevance to clinical practice: This pilot study has indicated that a patient-centre educating is beneficial and is associated with an improvement in patients' knowledge and self-care abilities. Healthcare professionals should utilize all educational resources specifically designed to the educational needs of these patients.