Table 1 Identified information needs of patients with heart disease

   Information about the recommended level

   Information about own cholesterol

   Information about how cholesterol causes heart disease

   Information about the effect of diet and medication

   Frequency of blood testing required

   Duration for taking medication

   Need to document own cholesterol and date of blood test

Blood pressure (BP)

   Basic and easy to understand information about how BP effects the heart

   Which medications are for BP

   Need space available to record questions and communication with doctor

   All claimed it would be motivating if the doctor suggested they decrease their BP

Physical inactivity

   Request for flexibility and choice to suit lifestyle

   Need for practical and simple information about how activity reduces heart disease

   Information about safety and when to stop activity

   Duration and frequency of activity

   Suggestions such as having a chart (eg, on the fridge) would be motivating

Smoking

   None said they need information about why they should stop

   Practical suggestions and choice about cessation methods

   Don't want to be told what to do

   Recommendation from the doctor would be motivating

   Information about nicotine patches

   All stated that setting a quit date would be helpful

   Knowing they were being monitored by a hospital staff member would be motivating