Transitions in Technology-Mediated Cardiac Rehabilitation and Self-management: Qualitative Study Using the...

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular medicine
• Behavioral science
• Human-computer interaction

Background:

• Acute cardiac events often require surgery, with rehabilitation and self-care crucial for long-term health.
• Existing technology in cardiac rehabilitation has limitations, especially concerning patient experience.
• Understanding patient journeys post-hospitalization is key to improving recovery outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore cardiac patient experiences during recuperation, rehabilitation, and self-management phases.
• To identify behavioral factors influencing patients across these critical recovery stages.
• To provide user-centered design recommendations for cardiac rehabilitation technologies.

Main Methods:

• Conducted semistructured interviews with patients post-cardiac event hospitalization and rehabilitation.
• Utilized the Theoretical Domains Framework to analyze behavioral change factors.
• Examined patient experiences across three distinct post-hospitalization phases.

Main Results:

• Identified key patient experiences including the desire for normality, knowledge acquisition, safe environments, and perceived capability.
• Described how patient behaviors and experiences evolve during recuperation, rehabilitation, and self-management.
• Highlighted the impact of social influences and the need for tailored support.

Conclusions:

• Developed empirically grounded recommendations for technology-mediated cardiac rehabilitation systems.
• Advocated for technology that supports a sense of normality and leverages social support.
• Emphasized the need for technologies that foster a safe zone, support well-being, and reinforce patient capability.