PREADMISSION EDUCATION COUNSELLING FOR PATIENTS UNDERGOING CORONARY ANGIOPLASTY - IMPACT ON KNOWLEDGE AND RISK-FACTORS/

This study aimed to evaluate whether a preprocedural education/counsel ling program can improve knowledge and coronary risk factors in 130 pa tients (65 experimental; 65 comparison) approximately four months afte r having percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). Knowle dge and physical activity levels (p=0.00) improved for both groups fro m pre-PTCA to the follow-up. Further, the experimental group showed fa vourable change in total cholesterol level (p=0.02) at follow-up. That participation in the intervention did not improve knowledge or risk f actor prevalence may reflect the adequacy of standard ward care, the i nfluence of factors not under the control of the study or the overall experience of PTCA. Limitations of educational programs without follow -up sessions are discussed and alternate rehabilitation approaches sug gested.