Abstract:
An outpatient education program for patients who have undergone percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty was evaluated to determine if there was an increase in knowledge of a change in healthy behaviors as a
result of the program. The sample consisted of 48 patients; 24 who experienced an outpatient
education program and 24 who did not. Three instruments developed by the investigator were used. Both groups completed a demographics form, a knowledge assessment form and a lifestyle assessment form before the program
began. The knowledge assessment form and lifestyle assessment form were completed again six weeks after the program.
Both groups showed a statistically significant increase in knowledge
(p<.05). The experimental group showed a statistically significant increase in
exercise behavior (p<.05). Because both groups showed a statistically significant increase in knowledge, this change could not be attributed to the program. Only the experimental group showed an increase in healthy behaviors, however. Therefore, the education program was effective in influencing patients to become more responsible for their treatment and care.
