Knowledge and skills needed for patient education for individuals with coronary heart disease: The perspective of health professionals

Background: There is a lack of studies on the knowledge and skills needed for patient education of individuals with coronary heart disease. Better understanding of what competencies health professionals see as necessary for patient education in secondary prevention can contribute to improved education of educators, and thus, improved patient education. Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate health professionals' views on the knowledge and skills necessary in conducting high-quality patient education for adults recently diagnosed with coronary heart disease. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using individual interviews with health professionals with experience from different types of patient education in cardiac care. The interviews were analysed using systematic text condensation. Results: The informants were 19 Icelandic and Norwegian registered nurses, physiotherapists and cardiologists. Sound updated theoretical and clinical knowledge, along with advanced communication skills, was considered essential for patient education. This includes being able to establish interpersonal relationships with patients, capturing their learning needs, facilitating an effective dialogue and providing individualised patient centred education and lifestyle counselling. Conclusions: Evidence-based patient education requires knowledgeable health professionals with advanced communication skills and pedagogical competences that enable them to motivate patients and provide effective patient centred lifestyle counselling.