Collaborative couple-based management using King’s theory improves health behaviours after percutaneous coronary intervention for coronary artery disease: randomized controlled trial

Aims To explore the impact of a collaborative management for couples based on KING’s Goal Attainment Theory on the health outcomes of post-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). Methods and results This RCT involved 194 eligible patients, randomly assigned to either a control group (CG) or an intervention group (IG). The CG received routine care and follow-up, while the IG received KING’s Theory-based couple-focused case management in addition to routine care. The intervention comprised pre- and post-discharge sessions, containing dyadic goal-setting and dyadic health management strategies, fostering collaborative decision-making between the patient and their spouse. Outcomes were measured at T0 (2 days post-stabilisation), 1 and 3 months post-discharge. The mean age of the participants was 61.3 (SD = 12.0) years. Baseline data were similar in both groups. The intervention significantly improved chronic disease management self-efficacy (β = 1.175), medication adherence (β = 0.834), healthy diet adherence (β = 1.127), exercise adherence (β = 1.206), and was associated with the improvements of total cholesterol (β = −0.293), triglycerides (β = −0.280), and low-density lipoprotein (β = −0.229). All P < 0.05. However, the difference in high-density lipoprotein levels (β = −0.012), the rate of revascularization, recurrent angina pectoris, in-stent restenosis, and left ventricular ejection fraction (Z = −0.667) between the groups was not significant, all P > 0.05. Conclusion The collaborative management for couples based on KING’s Goal Attainment Theory significantly improved self-efficacy and adherence to lifestyle changes of post-PCI patients with CHD, and was associated with the improvements of the lipid profiles. Future studies could investigate the cost-effectiveness and long-term impact of this theory-based intervention. Registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR): ChiCTR2400085183.