Evaluation of a Planned Teaching Program for Myocardial Infarction Patients

Christine A. Benson, Marquette University

Abstract

This study was designed to evaluate a planned teaching program for myocardial infarction patients. A fourteen-question interview questionnaire was designed, by the investigator, from the eight objectives of the planned teaching program. The interview questionnaire was administered to sixteen patients with a first acute myocardial infarction. A score of 70 percent or greater was necessary in order .for: (1) an individual objective to be achieved, and (2) the total objectives of the teaching program to be met. Four of the eight objectives of the planned teaching program were met: patients demonstrated sufficient knowledge in the areas of risk factor reduction, activity levels, when to seek medical attention, and all patient concerns seemed to be taken care of during hospitalization. Patients failed to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the areas of nature of disease, recovery process, and medication regime. In addition, there was not enough inclusion of families in teaching. Six of the sixteen patients achieved total scores above 70 percent, indicating adequate achievement of the objectives of the teaching program. The results of this study therefore point up to the need for instruments of evaluation to assess teaching programs as a corrective feedback mechanism.