[Guidelines on psychological intervention in cardiac rehabilitation- methodological process]

Area of Science:

• Cardiology and Psychology
• Evidence-based healthcare
• Psychological interventions in chronic disease management

Background:

• Cardiac rehabilitation programs require specialized psychological support for cardiovascular disease patients.
• The Italian Group of Cardiac Rehabilitation and Prevention (GICR) established a working group to define the state-of-the-art in psychological interventions.
• A need exists to base psychological interventions on scientific evidence, moving beyond expert opinion.

Framework:

• The working group conducted a systematic review of Italian and international literature.
• Methodology aligns with the Italian Ministry of Health's National Guidelines Program.
• The document structures psychological intervention through patient interaction phases: selection, entry, evaluation, intervention, and follow-up.

Implementation:

• Recommendations are derived from systematic evidence reviews and shared clinical experience.
• The document serves as a foundation for formal Guidelines on Psychological Intervention in Cardiac Rehabilitation.
• A phased approach to development, review, and dissemination is outlined, involving multiple stakeholders.

Implications:

• This work aims to provide systematic evidence for psychological interventions in cardiac rehabilitation.
• The development process includes collaboration with patient and volunteer associations.
• The ultimate goal is the publication of comprehensive Guidelines to improve patient care.