[Cardiac rehabilitation--expectations and appraisals of patients]

Patients' expectancies are widely hypothesized to influence the course of rehabilitation. Therefore, an exploratory cross-sectional survey was performed in cardiological rehabilitation patients to analyse the relationships of patients' expectations and rehabilitation outcomes. Patients were recruited from ambulatory heart groups (phase III rehabilitation). All participants judged both their expectations and experiences regarding their inpatient rehabilitation (phase II) in retrospect. Of 300 eligible heart group members, 238 (79 %) consented to participate (81 % male; mean age 65.5 years). Discussions with their physician, in-depth clinical examination, and information regarding treatment and healthy life-style were rated as most important by the patients. Nutritional counselling, gymnastics, massage, walking and the pleasant surroundings of the clinic were also frequently mentioned. One third stated that they had changed their attitudes regarding life-style, stress management, and nutrition as a result of rehabilitation. However, according to their self-reports, changes in body weight were not substantial whereas the proportion of smokers declined. 70 % reported to be interested in attending a future rehabilitation treatment. Patients with high expectations regarding physical training, health counselling, behaviour modification and physician care had better rehabilitation outcomes. When interpreting the results, both the selective nature of the sample and possible recall bias due to the retrospective assessments have to be considered. Our findings may thus be seen as hints as to patients overall judging their rehabilitation in a positive way. However, critical aspects were also mentioned. While these did not touch the general concepts of the interventions, they highlighted specific aspects of its performance and implementation, issues that should be taken into account by the individual rehabilitation clinic.