"Take Heart ..."--developing support sessions for families of acutely ill cardiac patients

Authors

Mary G. Schigoda, Advocate Aurora Health
Mary L. Hook, Advocate Aurora HealthFollow

Recommended Citation

Schigoda MG, Hook ML. "Take Heart ..."--developing support sessions for families of acutely ill cardiac patients. AACN Clin Issues Crit Care Nurs. 1991 May;2(2):299-306.

Affiliations

Department of Nursing Services, St. Luke's Medical Center

Abstract

The diagnosis of a cardiac illness and subsequent adjustment to a permanently altered lifestyle have profound impact on patient and family. Nurses are in a key position to support the cardiac family during crisis and assist them in recovery. Within the group environment, the nurse can clarify perceptions of the cardiac event, explore alternative coping strategies, and facilitate the development of new social supports. This article describes the development of "Take Heart..." cardiac family support sessions at St. Luke's Medical Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It focuses on assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation strategies with recommendations for future research.

Document Type

Article

PubMed ID

2021515