The Importance of Systematic Inquiry in Nursing Research: An Example;Women and Recovery from Acute Myocardial Infarction

A review of the literature related to recovery from acute myocardial after discharge from the hospital revealed that very little is known about the recovery period in women. The recovery period ha been studied in men with the major focus on cardiac rehabilitation, return to work, and sexual activity. In this descriptive exploratory study women were compared to men in these three areas of recovery within 3 to 9 months after discharge from the hospital. There were statistically significant differences in the following areas: marital status, more women were widowed or single; women had more responsibility for household duties after acute myocardial infarction, a decrease in frequency of sexual activity, and more reports of chest pain during sexual activity. Subjects reported little or no counselling by nurses with regard to cardiac rehabilitation, return to work or household duties, and resumption of sexual activity.