gms | German Medical Science

Background and Purpose: Patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are still at highest cardiovascular risk. Secondary prevention before dismissal is urgently needed.This study presents findings of the current Knowledge about ACS, the learning needs, and self-efficacy of these patients.

Methods: A descriptive survey of patients using a standardized questionnaire was performed.

Research Focus: Thirty-six patients with first episode of ACS after PCI 75 years in Vienna General Hospital in 2016 were enrolled. They completed the questionnaire consisting of the German version “Cardiac Patient Learning Needs Inventory”, the German version “Cardiac Self-Efficacy Questionnaire” and parts of a questionnaire on treatment satisfaction and knowledge about ACS pre-discharge. Data analysis was carried out using the software program “Statistical Package for the Social Sciences” version 23 and descriptive statistics were used. The current study was reviewed and approved by the Ethics Committee of the Medical University of Vienna.

Results: The priorities of the learning needs of the subjects are primarily in the categories of “risk management” and “symptom management”. The knowledge about ACS is high (64% of the subjects have given eight correct answers of eleven items). The mean self-efficacy score was for “take medication” highest (3.4), for „call or visit doctor about heart disease” middle (2.8) and for „Maintain usual activities outside home“ lowest (2.6) .

Conclusions: Anxiety and the fear of being afflict again are important concerns for Patients after ACS. The findings provide insights in to secondary prevention and further studies are essential to explore, how provides it.