In-hospital counselling for first-time myocardial infarction patients and spouses: effects on satisfaction

Abstract

Self-ratings of satisfaction were studied over 6 months in 60 male first-time myocardial infarction patients and their wives. Couples were randomly assigned to either a treatment group, where they received a simple programme of education and psychological support in addition to routine care, or to a control group, where they received routine care only. All patients completed visual analogue scales measuring satisfaction regarding their general health, life in general, care and information received. All wives completed visual analogue scales measuring satisfaction regarding information received and care the patient received. Patients and wives in the treatment group reported statistically significantly more satisfaction than those in the control group. This effect was sustained for 6 months after counselling.