Healthcare providers' perspectives on physical activity in patients with heart failure and gender-related differences

Physical activity (PA) is widely recognized as an effective intervention for patients with heart failure (HF). PA leads to significant improvements in outcomes such as aerobic capacity, quality of life, and cardiac function, which are linked to reduced hospitalizations. Healthcare providers (HCPs) should routinely assess PA and gender differences in exercise engagement and barriers must be considered.

To explore HCPs' perspectives on PA in patients with HF and gender-related differences.

Qualitative methods using semi-structured interviews were employed. Participants were recruited from two hospitals in Spain using purposeful sampling to ensure diversity. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis.

Seventeen HCPs participated, including nine cardiologists, two rehabilitation doctors, five nurses, and one physiotherapist. The result identified five themes: (1) The importance of PA; (2) Health Care Professional's role; (3) Communication; (4) Barriers; (5) Patient Engagement and Responsibility.

The study underscores that HCPs perceive that PA is important in HF management and experience the need for tailored approaches considering gender differences. It highlights the critical role of HCPs feel in promoting PA and addressing barriers to improve adherence among HF patients.