The negligible cost and low level of invasiveness of earplugs makes this preferable as a primary intervention to promote sleep while avoiding unnecessary sedating medications.

Adherence is primary to the effectiveness of any health regimen. Assessment of personal and circumstantial elements that affect adherence can be useful in developing more effective individualized treatment plans for this population. A closer look at discrete events of nonadherent decision making may indicate effective ways to promote adherence.

Graduates of a cardiac rehabilitation program reported they did not use self-monitoring skills at home. This unexpected outcome led to an investigation of the reasons for this lack of use. Results of the study informed program revision including the teaching tool and teaching strategies designed to enhance program effectiveness and improve patient outcomes.