Discharge information needs of outpatient cardiac catheterization patients

grantor: University of TorontoA descriptive-correlational design was used to determine the discharge information needs of outpatient cardiac catheterization patients. In addition, how well the discharge information needs were met was examined and the relationship between information needs and intensity of physical symptoms and the impact of results on life. Lazarus and Folkman's (1994) theory of strew, appraisal and coping provided the framework for the study. Discharge information needs of the subjects (N = 49) were measured by the Patient Learning Needs Scale (PLNS); extent to which discharge information needs were met by the Needs Met Score; fatigue, chest pain and shortness of breath by visual analogue scales; and impact of results on life by a Likert adjectival scale. Subjects placed importance on having information at discharge. Information needs were found to be highest in the areas of complications and symptoms, treatment and activities of living and illness related concerns. Subjects reported that their need for this information was moderately to very well met. Discharge information needs were not associated with the intensity of physical symptoms nor the impact of the results on life. Implications for nursing practice, theory and research were examined.M.Sc