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A Novel Digital Platform for a Monitored Home-based Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
Published on: April 19, 2019
Factors Influencing Cardiac Rehabilitation Intention in Patients With Coronary Heart Disease: A Qualitative Study
Yanyan Song1, Shujun Zhao2, Shuang Liu1
1School of Nursing, Hebei University, Baoding, People's Republic of China.
Insights
Understanding patient intentions for cardiac rehabilitation is key. Factors like perceived benefits, safety concerns, and social support significantly influence participation in cardiac rehabilitation programs for coronary heart disease patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Behavioral Science
- Qualitative Research
Background:
- Coronary heart disease (CHD) necessitates comprehensive management strategies.
- Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a vital component of secondary prevention for CHD patients.
- Understanding patient intention to participate in CR is crucial for improving outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the multifaceted factors influencing the intention of coronary heart disease patients to engage in cardiac rehabilitation.
- To identify patient-specific attitudes, perceived social norms, and behavioral controls impacting CR participation.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative content analysis of semi-structured, face-to-face interviews with 20 CHD patients.
- Interviews conducted in a tertiary hospital setting, guided by the Reasoned Action Approach theory.
- Purposeful sampling ensured diversity in patient characteristics and disease course.
Main Results:
- Nine themes emerged across attitudes, norms, and control dimensions.
- Key themes included perceived benefits, safety concerns, lack of professional recommendations, insufficient self-efficacy, and resource limitations.
- External factors and individual needs presented significant barriers and facilitators to CR intention.
Conclusions:
- Healthcare providers must assess patient perspectives to understand CR intention drivers.
- Tailored interventions focusing on cognitive restructuring, social support, and patient empowerment are recommended.
- Enhancing CR intention can improve patient adherence and long-term cardiovascular health.
Aim:
To explore the factors influencing the intention of patients with coronary heart disease to undergo cardiac rehabilitation.
Design:
This is a qualitative content analysis study.
Methods:
Semi structured, face-to-face interviews were conducted in the Department of Cardiology at a tertiary Grade-A hospital in Baoding, China, from January to March 2025. To ensure sample diversity, purposeful sampling was employed. The interview guide was based on the Reasoned Action Approach theory, literature review, and team deliberations. Data were analysed using deductive content analysis.
Results:
Twenty patients with coronary heart disease participated in the interviews (average age 57.9 years; 10 males, 10 females; 0-360 months disease course). Nine themes were identified from the three dimensions of RAA attitudes, perceived norms, and perceived behavioural control, reflecting patients' attitudes regarding cardiac rehabilitation (rehabilitation is beneficial, safety concerns, and non-essential treatment strategy); the impact of external factors on cardiac rehabilitation in patients (lack of professional recommendations, lack of awareness among friends and family); and barriers and facilitators in the implementation of cardiac rehabilitation (limited resources, insufficient self-efficacy, responsibility-driven, and individualised needs are challenging to fulfil).
Conclusion:
To enhance the cardiac rehabilitation intentions of patients with coronary heart disease, healthcare providers should comprehensively assess influencing factors from the patient's perspective. Tailored interventions should focus on cognitive restructuring, support system enhancement, and patient empowerment.
Implications For The Profession And Patient Care:
This study highlights factors influencing patients' cardiac rehabilitation intentions. Nurses, equipped with relevant knowledge and skills, can provide systematic cardiac rehabilitation education during hospitalisation, thereby enhancing intentions and improving participation in cardiac rehabilitation.
Reporting Method:
This study adheres to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) checklist guidelines.
Patient Or Public Contribution:
Patients with coronary heart disease participated in the interviews and provided essential insights for this study.
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