Tools Description

The Readiness from Hospital Discharge of patients after Myocardial Infarction Scale (RHD-MIS) is a validated tool (α-Cronbach 0.789) available in two versions, first for the patients and the second for the researcher. The questionnaire consists of 27 questions divided into 4 parts: 3 scoring and 1 non-scoring subscale. Two of the scoring sub-scales are prepared for subjective and objective assessment of patient’s knowledge and the third is designed to determine the patient’s expectations. The last nonscoring sub-scale regards the opinion about the disease. Patient can achieve low, medium, or high score in each sub-scale as well as in total for the entire scale [7]. The Functioning in the Chronic Illness Scale (FCIS) is a new diagnostic tool validated (α-Cronbach 0.855) on the group of 366 patients with acute coronary syndromes. The patient’s functioning is examined in 3 aspects: the impact of illness on the patients, the patient’s impact on the illness, and the impact of illness on the patient’s attitude.

The patient provides one answer scored on a scale from 1 to 5 points for each of 24 questions included in the questionnaire. In each investigated aspect of functioning as well as for the total score 3 intensity levels were distinguished: low, medium, and high. High scores achieved in particular sub-scales suggests no impact of the disease on the patients, adequate patient’s opinion in the illness, and active attitude in coping with the disease. Higher overall score reflects very good functioning in the chronic illness [8]. The Adherence in Chronic Disease Scale (ACDS) is used for assessment of adherence level regarding pharmacotherapy in patients with chronic diseases. ACDS is a free, publicly available tool validated (α-Cronbach 0.739) on the group of 300 patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases. The scale consists of 7 questions with proposed answered scored from 0 to 4 points. First 5 questions address behaviors directly determining adherence and last two regards situations and opinions indirectly influencing the therapeutic process [9].

Reasoning

Socioeconomic, condition-related, healthcare systemrelated, treatment option-related and other patient-dependent factors were distinguished by WHO as 5 major determinants of non-adherence [3,10]. Presented division shows how complex and difficult could be the achievement of optimal adherence. It requires multidirectional actions focused not only on patient’s somatic state but also concentrated on mental and social aspects. It should be underlined that during acute phase of the disease the healthcare providers supervise the proper course of the treatment. However, after hospital discharge the realization of therapeutic recommendations depends mainly on the patient. The assessment of the patient’s readiness to hospital discharge is recommended since it can be helpful to identify those patients who could require some additional actions of healthcare team. Widely understood, effective education reduces the rates of complications, rehospitalizations, and significantly improves patient comfort and sense of security and by that also the adherence [11-13].

The RHD-MIS scale deserves special attention, because it gives the opportunity to compare the subjective and objective knowledge of the patient and to understand the expectations of further education. Applying it in practice makes it possible to prepare a long-term patient education plan. The significance of health education in the rehabilitation process is underlined in the Canadian Assistance of Cardiac Rehabilitation Guidelines, which indicates that it should be individualized and carried out by a team of professionals. Additional task of health education is to support, motivate to change behaviors and persevere in the actions taken [14,15]. Patients included in educational activities show a higher level of knowledge and are often characterized by appropriate health behaviors in terms of diet, exercise, and smoking cessation. Unfortunately, as indicated by many scientific reports, both the health behaviors [16,17] and adherence [18,19] remain unsatisfactory in the population of patients with cardiovascular diseases. In the literature, there are many reports evaluating the functioning of patients with respect to mental and physical sphere.

However, it should be noted that the patient’s attitude to the disease implies his reactions which directly affect the therapeutic process. Up to now, no studies have been published to assess so defined functioning in chronic disease, apart from the FCIS validation study [8]. Facing the illness patients activate mechanisms aimed at dealing with the problem. Active behaviors, focusing on searching for information to control and influence their own disease, seem to be the most beneficial. However, subjective, often inadequate to the current state, perception of the disease could lead to the attitude unfavourable for treatment: denial, anxiety or avoidance [20]. Insufficient discipline of patients in the implementation of the therapeutic plan and the lack of cooperation of medical personnel with the patient contribute to the incorrect control of risk factors, which in turn leads to disease progression and rehospitalizations. The ACDS questionnaire, was prepared upon our own observations and experiences and can be helpful to diagnose the most common incorrect behaviors of patients and the specific attitudes of medical personnel.

Conclusion

The occurrence of various complications and even premature death may be caused by the dose omission, self-correction of the dose and early termination of pharmacotherapy [21,22]. Particularly vulnerable groups are the elderly, lonely, low educated and with poor economic status, as well as patients with comorbidities and depression [23-25]. The multidimensionality of the problem of non-compliance with the therapeutic plan is a real challenge for health care workers and the healthcare system. The presented tools are designed to improve the recognition of potential causes of ineffective education and in longer perspective, failure to comply with the recommendations.

Acknowledgement

The authors wish to thank Prof. Aldona Kubica (Nicolaus Copernicus University, Collegium Medicum, Poland) for valuable discussion of this work and for careful support.

References