Key Strategies for Engaging Patients
Effective management of patients recovering from a heart attack involves more than medical intervention; it crucially includes patient education and engagement. As health care providers, our role is to ensure patients are well-informed about their health metrics and equipped with tools to actively participate in their care.
Empowering Patients with Knowledge
It is essential for patients to "know their numbers," such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and hemoglobin A1C. These indicators help patients track their health progress and guide discussions during medical consultations. Encourage patients to keep an updated personal health record, which should include:
Current Medications: Names, dosages, and purposes.
Medical Contacts: Names and numbers of their healthcare providers.
Medical History: Details of recent hospital admissions, especially for heart attacks, and other significant health events.
Patient Health Card: Essential for Emergency and Routine Care
A practical tool for maintaining critical health information is the "Patient Health Card." This card should be compact and carry the following details:
Patient’s name and emergency contact.
List of current medications with dosages.
Healthcare provider contacts.
Summary of medical history, including the most recent hospital admission.
Key health metrics like blood pressure, lipid profile & hemoglobin A1C.
Patients should update this card regularly with any changes in medication, new blood test results, and at least weekly blood pressure measurements to ensure accurate and current information.
Supporting Patients with a Health Advocate
Some patients may need a health advocate to manage and interpret their medical information. This advocate should be familiar with the patient's health details and confident in communicating with healthcare providers.
Conclusion
Our responsibility extends beyond treating patients to empowering them with the necessary knowledge and tools to manage their recovery from a heart attack effectively. By fostering patient involvement, we enhance their capacity for self-care and long-term health.
Example of a Patient Health Card
Keep With You:
On paper
In your Smartphone “Notes”
Update with changes, check your blood pressure weekly.
PATIENT HEALTH CARD
Name: John Doe
Emergency Contact: Jane Doe (XXX) XXX-XXXX
Medications:
Aspirin 81mg daily
Metoprolol 50mg twice daily
Health Care Provider: Dr. Smith, Cardiology (XXX) XXX-XXXX
Last Hospital Admission: St. Boniface Hospital, March 2023
My Numbers:
BP: XXX/XX. (Date DAY/MONTH/YEAR)
Cholesterol: XX. (Date DAY/MONTH/YEAR)
HDL: XX. (Date DAY/MONTH/YEAR)
LDL: XX. (Date DAY/MONTH/YEAR)
Triglycerides: XX. (Date DAY/MONTH/YEAR)
Hemoglobin A1C: XX. (Date DAY/MONTH/YEAR)
