Improving knowledge, attitudes and beliefs about acute coronary syndrome through an individualized educational intervention: A randomized controlled trial

Objective: To test the effectiveness of an individualized educational intervention on knowledge, attitudes and beliefs about acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Methods: This multi-site, randomized controlled trial was conducted on 1947 patients with a diagnosis of ACS. Both groups received usual in-hospital education. Participants randomized to the intervention group received a 40-min one to one individualized education session, delivered using motivational interviewing techniques. The intervention was reinforced 1 month and 6 months later. Knowledge, attitudes and beliefs were measured using the ACS Response Index. A total of 1136 patients (control, n=551; intervention, n=585) completed the questionnaire at baseline, 3 and 12 months. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance. Ethical approval was obtained. Results: There was a significant effect of the intervention on mean knowledge (p<. 0.001), attitude (p=0.003) and belief (p<. 0.001) scores at 3 and 12 months. Conclusion: Ensuring patients retain information post education has always been difficult to attain. This study demonstrated that patient education using motivational interviewing techniques and an individualized approach has the potential to alter knowledge, attitudes and beliefs about ACS among a high risk population. Practice implications: This relatively short, simple and effective educational intervention could be delivered by nurses in multiple settings.