Jordanian acute coronary syndrome patients' learning needs: Implications for cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention programs

Abstract

The identification of patients' learning needs is an essential step for nurses in order to facilitate the recovery of acute coronary syndrome survivors. This study aimed to identify and prioritize the actual learning needs of these patients and to explore the differences in learning needs on the basis of sociodemographic and clinical variables. Descriptive comparative design was used, and patients' learning needs data were collected through the Patient Learning Needs Scale. The results showed that patients need a high amount of information after this syndrome. The 10 most needed educational topics belonged to the medications and treatment and activities of daily living categories. Older patients and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds requested less information than others did. In conclusion, topics perceived by patients as important and sociodemographic variables should be considered in preparing and providing cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention programs. Furthermore, these programs should be redesigned considering patients' actual learning needs rather than the expected needs, and they should incorporate medications, treatment and activities of daily living, complications and symptoms, illness-related concerns, and support in the community.

Quality of Life among Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome

“…It seems logical for participants to report low QoL scores in the physical domain, because of the illness-related factors mentioned above, and the fact that around 80% of the patients have never been engaged in any physical exercises. This result is supported by another Jordanian study (24), which aimed to assess the learning needs among ACS patients. Eshah (24) indicated that participants did not recognize the importance of physical exercise to improve their physical functioning and they classified it as a low priority among other needs.…”

“…This result is supported by another Jordanian study (24), which aimed to assess the learning needs among ACS patients. Eshah (24) indicated that participants did not recognize the importance of physical exercise to improve their physical functioning and they classified it as a low priority among other needs.…”

“…This could partly result from the shortage in informational programs and rehabilitation services in Jordan. Eshah (24) reported that Jordanian patients with ACS indicated a high need for information about their ACS diagnosis before being discharged from the hospitals. This shortage in information may affect their adaptation process with the new situation and may decrease their chances to learn about their disease and how to adopt a healthy lifestyle (28).…”

Percutaneous coronary intervention and heart surgery learning needs of patients in Jordan

“…A modified Patient Learning Needs Scale (PLNS) was used in this study. It has been used previously in cardiac populations and among Arabic cardiac patients (Eshah ; You et al. ).…”

Secondary Prevention After Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery

“…Self-efficacy and self-management skills can be developed by incorporating education and counseling techniques in either individualized or group sessions and focusing on motivational strategies. [355][356][357] Applying technology through the use of the Internet and mobile phones can help provide education and trained peer support for CABG patients after surgery, even for those who are unable to access CR programs because of geographic barriers. 358,359 Finally, individual diaries have been shown to increase patient accountability for self-management of exercise activity after CR.…”