Learning needs of patients with vasovagal syncope.

This exploratory, descriptive study was undertaken to identify common questions and concerns that patients with vasovagal syncope have about their condition. A semistructured interview format was used to survey patients' subjective learning needs. Interview transcripts were analyzed qualitatively for content themes using the grounded theory procedure of open coding. A convenience sample of 10 patients referred to a university-based syncope clinic at a tertiary care centre for investigation of unexplained syncope was used. The diagnosis of vasovagal syncope was confirmed based on clinical features and tilt table testing. Patients universally communicated broad areas of learning needs with regard to their condition, including etiology, management, natural history, and prognosis. A number of more specific subcategories of learning needs were also found in the majority of patients sampled. Patients with vasovagal syncope share a number of well-defined categories of subjectively identified learning needs. These categories should guide attempts to provide patients with relevant counselling, reassurance, and education.