Meeting the learning needs of post-myocardial infarction patients.

The current emphasis on programme evaluation and the gravitation towards total quality management models have challenged health care professionals to determine the effectiveness of available services in facilitating measurable changes in patient behaviour and in reducing acute care costs. This paper examines the current state of knowledge regarding the effectiveness of in-patient teaching programmes for clients sustaining acute myocardial infarction. A critical review of the literature examining this is presented and an alternative model for education programmes for this patient population is proposed. The new model incorporates adult learning theory, principles of self-directed learning and recognises the negative effect of stress on learning. This multidimensional approach may be more useful in facilitating long term changes in patient behaviour and, ultimately, in reducing acute care costs.