The effect of motivational interviewing after ischemic stroke on patient knowledge and patient satisfaction with care: A pilot study

Knowledge of the warning signs of stroke may reduce the incidence of having a second stroke by receiving medical intervention in a timely manner. The need for stroke education is paramount to empower stroke patients to recognize the signs and symptoms of an impending stroke. The purpose of this pilot study was to develop and to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational method of providing stroke education in an acute care setting. Twenty patients were recruited and randomized to two groups. Group 1 received the standard of care: verbal and written education at the time of discharge by the discharge nurse. Group 2 received individualized protocol-driven verbal and written education with their caregiver present within the context of the Therapeutic Alliance Model using motivational interviewing techniques. Each group was sent a Stroke Knowledge Test and a patient satisfaction survey at 1 month. Results indicate that the enhanced education group received improved scores on the Stroke Knowledge Test and had better patient satisfaction scores regarding stroke education. An enhanced educational method using motivational interviewing and an individualized protocol-driven education intervention given to both the patient and a caregiver enhance stroke knowledge and patient satisfaction after discharge from the acute care setting.