Purpose: Despite the growing evidence for effects of religious factors on cardiac health in general populations, findings are not always consistent in sicker and older populations. We previously demonstrated that short-term negative outcomes (depression and anxiety) among older adults following open heart surgery are partially alleviated when…

Current educational programs for cardiac patients are ineffective because they are teacher focused, assume that increased knowledge produces long-term changes, and neglect patient needs and anxiety. A more effective approach should be based on adult learning principles and identify and use learning needs to personalize educational programs. (SK)