Table 1.

Identified information needs of patients with heart disease

Cholesterol

Information about the recommended level

Information about own cholesterol

Information about how cholesterol causes heart disease

Information about the effect of diet and medication

Frequency of blood testing required

Duration for taking medication

Need to document own cholesterol and date of blood test

Blood pressure (BP)

Basic and easy to understand information about how BP effects the heart

Which medications are for BP

Need space available to record questions and communication with doctor

All claimed it would be motivating if the doctor suggested they decrease their BP

Physical inactivity

Request for flexibility and choice to suit lifestyle

Need for practical and simple information about how activity reduces heart disease

Information about safety and when to stop activity

Duration and frequency of activity

Suggestions such as having a chart (eg, on the fridge) would be motivating

Smoking

None said they need information about why they should stop

Practical suggestions and choice about cessation methods

Don't want to be told what to do

Recommendation from the doctor would be motivating

Information about nicotine patches

All stated that setting a quit date would be helpful

Knowing they were being monitored by a hospital staff member would be motivating