Evaluating short term efficacy of educative support in a cardiovascular rehabilitation using the MICRO-Q test: a single centre experience

Abstract

Object of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of multiprofessional meetings in order to improve patients’ knowledge about cardiovascular diseases, risk factors and correct lifestyle in a Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Department. Methods: from November 2011 to June 2012 two MICRO-Q questionnaires were given to the Fossano Cardiovascular Rehabilitation’s patients before and after the educational meetings to test their improvement after having followed educational meetings. Results: 73 patients have answered the questionnaires (57 males, mean age 68,5 ±11.73ys). From these data emerged a significant improvement of knowledge about cardiovascular risk factors (75,34% vs 91,78%; p=0,01), smoke (79,45% vs 93,15%; p=0,03), stress (76,71% vs 91,78; p=0,023), diet (84,93% vs 97,26%; p=0,02), physical activity (63,01% vs 84,93%; p=0,005) and right things to do in case of chest pain (34,25% vs 52,05%; p=0,04). Conclusions: educational meetings had an important role in improve patients’ knowledge about cardiovascular risk factors, correct lifestyle and diet. Moreover MICRO-Q questionnaires demonstrated to be useful tools in order to improve the educational meetings according to the real needs of our patients.

Keywords

• patient education
• cardiovascular rehabilitation
• secondary cardiovascular prevention