The Know & Go! program improves knowledge for patients with coronary heart disease in pilot testing

Abstract

Objective: To determine if patients hospitalized for angioplasty could learn about symptoms, risk factors, and care-seeking behaviors before and after discharge and to assess patient acceptability of the intervention.

Methods: Thirty-two women and 32 men were randomly assigned to groups and completed an intervention pretest. The experimental group viewed the Know & Go! slide presentation at baseline and 2 and 4 months after discharge. A satisfaction survey was mailed to patients in the experimental group.

Results: There were no significant differences between groups in clinical or sociodemographic characteristics. The experimental group scored significantly higher on an intervention posttest at study completion (F = 15.21; P < .001). Patients were highly satisfied with the program and computer technology (range 0-12, M = 9.57 ± 1.83).

Conclusion: The Know & Go! intervention was safe, effective, and acceptable to patients in pilot testing. Results support refinement and further testing of the intervention for patients diagnosed with coronary heart disease.