Randomized Controlled Trial of Symptom Management Patient Education for People with Acute Coronary Syndrome

Abstract

Background: Poorly managed acute coronary syndrome symptoms increase the risk of subsequent cardiovascular events. Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of symptom management patient education on the knowledge of sublingual nitroglycerin for people with acute coronary syndrome. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was used to evaluate the 3-resource intervention. The study was conducted in a 448-bed Australian public hospital. The instrument used was the modified Sublingual Nitroglycerin Interview Schedule. Results: A total of 169 participants completed the study. The intervention group significantly improved their knowledge of sublingual nitroglycerin when compared with the control group (P =.002). Conclusion: This 3-resource symptom management patient education shows promise in improving sublingual nitroglycerin knowledge for people with acute coronary syndrome.