Effect of a postdischarge education class on coronary artery disease knowledge and self-reported health-promoting behaviors

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of a single 2-hour postdischarge education class on knowledge and health-promoting behaviors of patients undergoing cardiac catheterization. DESIGN: Descriptive, two-group, posttest survey. SETTING: Midwestern community hospital. SUBJECTS: One hundred fourteen patients who had experienced a cardiac catheterization, 53 patients who had attended a postdischarge coronary artery disease education class, and 61 patients who had not attended the class. OUTCOME MEASURES: Knowledge of coronary artery disease and coronary artery disease risk factor, and health-promoting behaviors. RESULTS: Those who attended the postdischarge class scored significantly higher on both knowledge and health-promoting behaviors. CONCLUSION: Patients who attended a single 2-hour postdischarge education class had significantly higher knowledge of coronary artery disease and coronary artery disease risk factors. Knowledge may better prepare people to increase health-promoting behaviors.