Cardiac Rehabilitation: Client's Perceived Adequacy of Education Related to Adjustments Following Myocardial Infarction

Abstract

A THESIS Submitted to Grand Valley State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING Kirkhof School of Nursing. Heart disease significantly impacts the lifestyles of clients. Psychosocial difficulties such as anxiety, depression, marital and family conflict are documented in the literature. Various methods and aspects of adjustment have been studied to assist the client with adaptation to changes in exercise, diet, weight reduction and smoking. This descriptive study used a correlational design to investigate the relationship between the client's perceived adequacy of cardiac rehabilitative education with postdischarge fears and adjustments. Thirty clients participating in a cardiac rehabilitation program completed a self report questionnaire regarding level of preparedness in the areas of exercise, diet, work/activity, sexual functioning, and social changes. Two to three weeks post discharge, clients were mailed self-report questionnaire measuring levels of fears and adjustments. It was hypothesized that clients with a perceived higher level of preparation would experience fewer fears and adjustments during the post-discharge period. Scores from both instruments were examined for a correlational relationship. Analysis of the data revealed the hypothesis was supported.