The effect of individualized education on the transfer anxiety of patients with myocardial infarction and their families

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The study determines the effect of individualized education on the anxiety level of patients with myocardial infarction and their families who are being transferred from the coronary care unit (CCU) to the general care unit. METHODS: The study consisted of experimental and comparison groups, and took place in a CCU of a teaching hospital. The Study included 90 patients with myocardial infarction who were admitted to the CCU and 90 individuals who were the relatives of the patients. A personal characteristics information form was used that contained descriptive information about the patients and their relatives, a disease information form containing questions related to the disease and lifestyle habits, and Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. RESULTS: We found that the relatives and patients in the CCU experienced anxiety on the second day of admission and on the day of transfer. There was a statistically significant difference between the experimental and comparison groups with respect to the level of anxiety for the patients and their relatives on the second CCU day and on the day of transfer (P < .01). CONCLUSION: Patients in the CCU and their relatives experience anxiety. An individualized education program is effective in decreasing the anxiety of patients and their relatives when the patients are transferred from the CCU to the general care unit.