Patient perception of preoperative cardiac surgical teaching done pre- and postadmission

Preoperative cardiac surgical teaching done on a preadmission vs postadmission basis did not affect subjects' perception of importance of preoperative information or preparation. Hospital teaching methods must be examined so that patient learning is individualized and available when the patient is ready to learn. Preoperative teaching on a preadmission basis may also facilitate admission of the cardiac surgical patient the day of surgery, which could shorten the length of stay.