The effect of mobile messaging apps on cardiac patient knowledge of coronary artery disease risk factors and adherence to a healthy lifestyle.

AIMS: To determine the effect mobile messaging apps on coronary artery disease patient knowledge of and adherence to a healthy lifestyle. BACKGROUND: Due to the increasing incidence of coronary artery disease in recent years, interventions targeting coronary artery disease risk factors are urgent public priorities. The use of mobile technology in healthcare services and medical education is relatively new with promising future prospects. DESIGN: This study used a quasiexperimental design that included pre- and posttest for intervention and control groups. METHODS: The study was conducted from January-April 2017 with both intervention and control groups, in a teaching hospital in Klang Valley. Convenience sampling was used with inclusive criteria in choosing the 94 patients with coronary artery disease (intervention group: 47 patients; control group: 47 patients). The pretest was conducted as a baseline measurement for both groups before they were given standard care from a hospital. However, only the intervention group was given a daily information update via WhatsApp for 1 month. After 1 month, both groups were assessed with a posttest. RESULTS: The split-plot ANOVA analysis indicates that there is a significant and positive effect of the intervention on coronary artery disease patients' knowledge on coronary artery disease risk factors [F(1, 92) = 168.15, p < 0.001] with a large effect size ( η p 2  = 0.65). The mobile messaging apps also significantly improve the patients' adherence to a healthy lifestyle [F(1, 92) = 83.75, p < 0.001] with a large effect size ( η p 2  = 0.48). CONCLUSION: This study concluded that WhatsApp was an effective health intervention in increasing coronary artery disease patient's knowledge and subsequently increasing their adherence to healthy lifestyles. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: In clinical setting, mobile messaging apps are useful in information delivery and efficient patient monitory.

Nurse-led intervention on knowledge, attitude and beliefs towards acute coronary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Coronary heart disease has emerged as a number one killer in Malaysia and globally. Much of the morbidity and mortality in acute coronary syndrome patients is because of patients not recognizing their symptoms which contributes to delay in seeking early treatment. AIM: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a nurse-led health education programme on knowledge, attitude and beliefs of coronary patients towards the responses to acute coronary syndrome and the association with patients' characteristics. METHODS: A single-group quasi-experimental design took place in a tertiary hospital. A total of 60 coronary patients were recruited to this study. The knowledge, attitude and beliefs towards acute coronary syndrome (ACS) were evaluated at baseline and after 1 month of giving education intervention. RESULTS: Knowledge, attitude and beliefs about ACS increased significantly from baseline to 1 month after intervention. Level of attitude was associated with gender, educational level and employment status. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study suggest that an education program conducted by a nurse improved patients' level of knowledge, attitudes and beliefs in response to ACS symptoms at 1 month compared to baseline, but whether they are sustained for a longer period is unclear. Improving the responses towards ACS might reduce decision delay in symptom interpretation and seeking early treatment. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Nurse-led interventions have imparted positive outcomes in response to ACS symptoms among coronary patients. Therefore, nurses should take the initiative in educating patients to minimize delay in symptom interpretation and seeking early treatment.

The effect of facilitated tucking on procedural pain control among premature babies.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To determine the effectiveness of facilitated tucking in reducing pain when venepuncture is being performed on preterm infants. BACKGROUND: Preterm neonates are exposed to a myriad of invasive, often painful, procedures throughout their stay in the neonatal intensive care unit. A growing volume of evidence shows that pain in preterm infants has both short- and long-term deleterious effects. It is within the power and ethical responsibility of neonatal nurses to help premature babies cope with procedural pain. DESIGN: A quasi-experimental study with two groups: control and treatment group. METHODS: A study was conducted on a cohort of preterm infants (n = 42), divided into control (n = 21) and treatment (n = 21) groups, to determine the effect of facilitated tucking on pain relief during venepuncture on preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit. The severity of pain was measured using the Premature Infant Pain Profile score. The primary outcome measure was reduction in the Premature Infant Pain Profile scores. RESULTS: The Premature Infant Pain Profile score for the treatment group was significantly lower (M = 6·62, SD 2·598) than for the control group (6·62 ± 2·60 vs. 8·52 ± 2·99, respectively, t = -2·202, p < 0·05). CONCLUSIONS: Facilitated tucking reduced the Premature Infant Pain Profile scores in preterm infants. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The findings of this study suggest that facilitated tucking is able to alleviate pain; therefore, nurses must be able to carry out facilitated tucking when necessary.