A Qualitative Study of the Information Needs of Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients, and Their Preferences for Follow-up Contact After Discharge

Abstract

Background: Several studies have claimed that patients have unmet information needs after discharge following acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Our overall goal is to develop a post-discharge nursing intervention program to provide patients with appropriate information and support in contexts where existing follow-up services are poorly developed. Aims: To explore the information needs of inpatients with AMI and their preferences for follow-up contact after discharge from hospital. Methods: Fourteen AMI patients aged 42–69 years participated in one of three focus groups, held between 3 and 5 months after their discharge. Results and conclusions: The findings are grouped into three themes corresponding to the major topics in the interview guide: the hospital stay, coming home, and patients' follow-up preferences. The data support the findings of previous studies that there is a systemic failure to meet patients’ in-hospital and post-discharge information needs. Most importantly, our participants’ follow-up preferences favoured open telephone lines and telephone follow-up. The results of this study provide some of the knowledge that is necessary to improve patient information and support following AMI.