Supporting Emotional Recovery After Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection: Development and Pilot Testing an Online...

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a major medical event with a high burden of psychosocial sequelae. SCAD survivors require psychological support to facilitate recovery. This pilot study involved feasibility testing of an online group support program for SCAD survivors, co-designed by clinicians, survivors and researchers. The SCAD Online Support Program uses the principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. The four-session-manualized program, facilitated by a registered psychologist and a SCAD survivor, was delivered to 33 SCAD survivors (6-7 per group). Participant and Project Advisory Group feedback led to iterative program refinements. Qualitative and quantitative acceptability data were evaluated. Participants completed pre- and post-program questionnaires to assess engaged living (life fulfilment and valued living), enrichment, self-efficacy, anxiety, depression and cardiac distress. Changes in proportions classified as anxious, depressed and distressed were identified. Qualitative comments highlighted the support, camaraderie and skills gained through the program. There were improvements in levels of life fulfilment, valued living, enrichment, self-efficacy, anxiety, depression, and cardiac distress, and reductions in proportions classified as anxious, depressed and distressed. The SCAD Online Support Program was successfully co-designed, implemented and modified, shown to be acceptable to SCAD survivors, and demonstrates potential for improving mental health outcomes.