Abstract:
Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of global deaths, and
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is the most common type. An effective, invasive, diagnostic
coronary angiography is a widely used tool and recommended for many of CAD patients.
Anxiety associated cardiac complications such as elevated blood pressure, tachycardia and
arrhythmias can be reduced by pre-operative education on therapeutic intervention and will
bring better health outcome. Also, health education will improve the quality of life by
escalating adherence to medical and surgical management.
Objective: To assess the influence of pre-operative health education sessions for improving
knowledge on therapeutic interventions among patients who are preparing for coronary
angiography
Methods: A total number of 150 patients who were awaiting coronary angiography at
Cardiology Unit in Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital were included in the study. A pre tested interviewer administered questionnaire was administered (pre-test) to the patients. Later
an educational session was conducted for 30 minutes by the researcher focusing on improving
the knowledge on therapeutic intervention. After the education session the same questionnaire
was administered (post-test). Both questionnaire and education session were developed by the
researcher using scientific literature.
Results: Among the participants, 98% were married and 64.7% were males. The majority was
in 51-60 years old age range. The level of knowledge before and after the educational sessions
were varied regarding the main procedure of angiography (pre- 39.3%, post- 100%),
importance of blood investigations (pre- 39.3%, post-100%), surgical site (pre- 20.7%, post 94.7%) and importance of post hydration (pre- 38.7% post- 92%). A significant difference was
seen between pre and post knowledge of the patients participated in the study (p <0.001).
Conclusion: Health education sessions are effective in improving the level of knowledge on
coronary angiography among patients who are waiting for coronary angiography. Pre operative health education sessions need to be encouraged to improve the better health
outcome of the patient by minimizing the level of anxiety.
