Physical therapists frequently empl...

Physical therapists frequently employ written education materials to provide exercise- and activity-related instruction to patients. The intention of this clinical perspective article is to demonstrate an approach to evaluating the comprehensiveness regarding exercise and activity and suitability of written patient education materials. Education materials for patients following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is used as an example. Five publicly available written patient education materials were evaluated for make contented using a checklist and suitability using the Suitability Assessment of Materials Instrument. All of the materials included information pertaining to activity guidelines, self-monitoring, and aerobic exercise. solitary some of the materials included information pertaining to relaxation exercise, mobility exercise, beneficial body mechanics, energy conservation, and proper posture. None of the materials included information pertaining to breathing exercises. Suitability scores ranged from a gentle of 29% to a high of 85% Written patient education materials generally available do not address all applicable exercise- and activity-related contented areas and are not necessarily suitable for patients following CABG surgery

Key Words: exercise, patient education, phase I cardiac rehabilitation, CABG

INTRODUCTION

In-hospital patient education is a critical part of the physical therapy plan of care for patients following hospitalization for a cardiac question especially coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery Physical therapists are particularly involved in educating patients regarding exercise and activity.1,2 Patients ne to understand safe and effective flushs of exercise and activity to begin again upon hospital discharge, because actual ability and perceived ability are not matched following CABG surgery3 Patient education is not single a time and cost efficient intervention, further can empower patients to actively participate in promoting their confess well-being.4,5 Most frequently, physical therapists use informal patient education techniques similar as demonstration and verbal discussion.2 In more [i]or[/i] less settings, such as cardiac rehabilitation programs, physical therapists use a more formal, comprehensive approach to patient education, with written education materials and audiovisual instruction.6

Recent advances in the medical intervention for patients with coronary artery disease have substantially reduc hospital extent of stays. Restoring coronary perfusion in patients with coronary artery disease now appears less invasively due to newer surgical revascularization techniques and anesthesia practice.7,8 A late study found that the median longitudinal dimensions of stay following CABG surgery was 8 days for Medicare patients.9 As a eventuate of faster hospital discharge following CABG surgery the primary part of physical therapy in phase I cardiac rehabilitation has shifted from that of providing direct supervision to that of providing consultation and patient education.10

In addition, comprehensive education regarding exercise is especially important for patients following CABG surgery that will not participate in follow-up rehabilitation forward an outpatient basis (phase II). Les than half of all patients that are eligible for phase If cardiac rehabilitation actually register in a program after hospital discharge.11-13 Many patients do not attend phase II cardiac rehabilitation after hospital discharge following CABG surgery because they have negative perceptions of their regulate over health and/or self-efficacy.14 Furthermore, many patients do not participate in phase II cardiac rehabilitation owed to financial constraints imposed by means of inadequate or no health insurance and inability to pay for similar services. Limited accessibility (transportation, distance, winter weather) to phase II cardiac rehabilitation services also may restrict many patients following CABG surgery from participating in organized exercise sessions after hospital discharge.15 Phase II cardiac rehabilitation participation is particularly gentle among rural residents, with individual study finding that only 28% of eligible patients begin a program and of those patients no other than 17% complete the program.15 Therefore, given the numerous barriers to phase II cardiac rehabilitation participation following CABG surgery the information in succession exercise prescription, monitoring, progression, and adherence given to patients in the hospital is crucial.

Written education materials are a everyday and feasible method to at hand information in diverse settings and to diverse clusters of patients.16,17 In hospital settings, written education materials also provide a relation for patients and families after discharge. This is particularly important following a act such as CABG surgery because patient retention of information may be impaired according to the medical acuity and anxiety related to of the like kind a procedure.18-20 Adults tend to retain more information when educational material is instanted in a written format than in a verbal format only21 Furthermore, optimal learning takes place when visual and verbal teaching techniques are combined with demonstration/practice.21-23 Although, written patient education materials should ideally be used in combination with other instructional techniques, they can stand alone as an effective teaching mode222425