Evaluating short term efficacy of educative support in a cardiovascular rehabilitation using the MICRO-Q test: a single centre experience

Object of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of multiprofessional meetings in order to improve patients’ knowledge about cardiovascular diseases, risk factors and correct lifestyle in a Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Department. Methods: from November 2011 to June 2012 two MICRO-Q questionnaires were given to the Fossano Cardiovascular Rehabilitation’s patients before and after the educational meetings to test their improvement after having followed educational meetings. Results: 73 patients have answered the questionnaires (57 males, mean age 68,5 ±11.73ys). From these data emerged a significant improvement of knowledge about cardiovascular risk factors (75,34% vs 91,78%; p=0,01), smoke (79,45% vs 93,15%; p=0,03), stress (76,71% vs 91,78; p=0,023), diet (84,93% vs 97,26%; p=0,02), physical activity (63,01% vs 84,93%; p=0,005) and right things to do in case of chest pain (34,25% vs 52,05%; p=0,04). Conclusions: educational meetings had an important role in improve patients’ knowledge about cardiovascular risk factors, correct lifestyle and diet. Moreover MICRO-Q questionnaires demonstrated to be useful tools in order to improve the educational meetings according to the real needs of our patients.