A qualitative study investigating patients' beliefs about cardiac rehabilitation

The concept of treatment beliefs in children and adolescents with chronic health conditions: a scoping review

Children and adolescents with chronic health conditions are faced with ongoing challenges, making self-regulation crucial. As children grow up, they gradually develop differentiated beliefs about illness and treatment. While research indicates treatment beliefs as relevant factor on outcomes like adherence, the specific contents and dimensions of children's and adolescents' treatment beliefs remained unclear. This scoping review therefore aimed at the identification of treatment beliefs dimensions in children and adolescents with chronic health conditions, the underlying theoretical frameworks, and methodological operationalisation. Published literature was examined by applying systematic searches in electronic databases (Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL) and comprehensive selection criteria, resulting in 49 included studies. The predominant treatment beliefs dimensions were necessity, concerns, perceived benefits and costs/barriers, and expectations. The latter can be differentiated into outcome, social, process, and structural expectations, and expectations of one's own role in the treatment process. In addition, dimensions that cover emotions and reasons for treatment were identified. The results are related to the methods and theoretical models applied, which were often adapted from adult research. However, additional and possibly more child-specific dimensions such as social expectations and emotions were found. This scoping review indicates several research gaps and discusses practical implications.

Factors which facilitate or impede patient engagement with pulmonary and cardiac rehabilitation: a rapid evaluation mapping review

Background

There is a considerable body of systematic review evidence considering the effectiveness of rehabilitation programmes on clinical outcomes. However, much less is known about effectively engaging and sustaining patients in rehabilitation. There is a need to understand the full range of potential intervention strategies.

Methods

We conducted a mapping review of UK review-level evidence published 2017-21. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health (CINAHL) and conducted a narrative synthesis. Included reviews reported factors affecting commencement, continuation or completion of cardiac or pulmonary rehabilitation, or an intervention to facilitate these factors. Study selection was undertaken independently by two reviewers.

Results

In total, we identified 20 review papers that met our inclusion criteria. There was a bias towards reviews considering cardiac rehabilitation, with these numbering 16. An additional 11 unpublished interventions were also identified through internet searching of key websites. The reviews included 60 identifiable UK primary studies that considered factors which affected attendance at rehabilitation; 42 considered cardiac rehabilitation and 18 considering pulmonary rehabilitation. They reported on factors from the patients' point of view, as well as the views of professionals involved in referral or treatment. It was more common for factors to be reported as impeding attendance at rehabilitation rather than facilitating it. We grouped the factors into patient perspective (support, culture, demographics, practical, health, emotions, knowledge/beliefs and service factors) and professional perspective (knowledge: staff and patient, staffing, adequacy of service provision and referral from other services, including support and wait times). We found considerably fewer reviews (n = 3) looking at interventions to facilitate participation in rehabilitation. Although most of the factors affecting participation were reported from a patient perspective, most of the identified interventions were implemented to address barriers to access in terms of the provider perspective. The majority of access challenges identified by patients would not therefore be addressed by the identified interventions. The more recent unevaluated interventions implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic may have the potential to act on some of the patient barriers in access to services, including travel and inconvenient timing of services.

Conclusions

The factors affecting commencement, continuation or completion of cardiac or pulmonary rehabilitation consist of a web of complex and interlinked factors taking into consideration the perspectives of the patients and the service providers. The small number of published interventions we identified that aim to improve access are unlikely to address the majority of these factors, especially those identified by patients as limiting their access. Better understanding of these factors will allow future interventions to be more evidence based with clear objectives as to how to address the known barriers to improve access.

Limitations

Time limitations constrained the consideration of study quality and precluded the inclusion of additional searching methods such as citation searching and contacting key authors. This may have implications for the completeness of the evidence base identified.

Future work

High-quality effectiveness studies of promising interventions to improve attendance at rehabilitation, both overall and for key patient groups, should be the focus moving forward.

Funding

This report presents independent research funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). The views and opinions expressed by authors in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the NHS, the NIHR, NETSCC, the HSDR programme or the Department of Health.

Study registration

The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO [CRD42022309214].

Treatment Beliefs of Children and Adolescents With Chronic Diseases: Development of the Rehabilitation Treatment Beliefs Questionnaire for Children and Adolescents

OBJECTIVE

Rehabilitation is an important component in the health care of children and adolescents with chronic diseases and aims at supporting patients' self-regulation for dealing with the disease. Patients' beliefs about illness and treatment are core elements in the self-regulation process. While questionnaires measuring illness beliefs for children and adolescents exist, questionnaires about their rehabilitation-related treatment beliefs are lacking. We therefore developed a questionnaire to assess the rehabilitation-related treatment beliefs of children and adolescents with chronic diseases (Rehabilitation Treatment Beliefs Questionnaire, RTBQ) and tested its psychometric properties.

METHODS

Ahead of their rehabilitation, children and adolescents, aged 12-17 years, answered 129 items, which were developed based on previous qualitative findings exploring children and adolescents' rehabilitation-related treatment beliefs. Psychometric testing included item analyses, exploratory factor analysis, internal consistency and bivariate correlations of the extracted scales, and the discriminatory power and difficulty of the final items.

RESULTS

The sample consisted of 170 participants with a mean age of 14.3 years (SD = 1.6); 53.5% were female. After item analyses, 47 items remained for the exploratory factor analysis which revealed 22 items allocated to 4 scales: "expectations of communication and interaction," "expectations of the treatment process," "expectations of treatment success and sustainability," and "expectations of one's own role in the rehabilitation process." The psychometric properties were acceptable to good.

CONCLUSIONS

The RTBQ assesses various dimensions of rehabilitation-related treatment beliefs of children and adolescents with chronic diseases. While first psychometric results are promising, further psychometric testing is needed.

Rehabilitation-related treatment beliefs in adolescents: A qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Medical rehabilitation plays an important role in the health care of chronically ill children and adolescents. During medical rehabilitation, supporting illness-related self-regulation is a central goal. Beliefs about illness and beliefs about treatment are core elements of patients' self-regulation, and there is evidence that these beliefs are relevant predictors of different health- and treatment-related outcomes such as adherence. However, little is known about adolescents' beliefs about rehabilitation. This study therefore explores adolescents' treatment beliefs in the context of inpatient medical rehabilitation.

METHODS

A qualitative study was conducted in a German rehabilitation clinic for children and adolescents. Using a purposive sampling method, 13 adolescents (12-16 years old) were recruited. Semi-structured, audiotaped interviews were conducted and analysed using content analysis.

RESULTS

Results demonstrate that adolescents have differentiated rehabilitation-related treatment beliefs. Twelve themes, with various subthemes, emerged, which include access to and knowledge about rehabilitation, the rehabilitation-related individual position and normative aspects, expectations of oneself, as well as in respect of the social context (fellow patients, contact with family and friends), expectations of the structure, process and outcome of rehabilitation, concerns and barriers and emotional aspects.

CONCLUSIONS

Our explorative study revealed a broad range of rehabilitation-related treatment beliefs in adolescents, indicating parallels, but also differences, to research results with adults. Treatment beliefs are assumed to be an influencing factor for various health- and treatment-related outcomes. Thus, implications of our findings for clinical practice and further research are discussed.

From Suspicion to Recognition-Being a Bystander to a Relative Affected by Acute Coronary Syndrome

Within cardiac research, an overwhelming number of studies have explored factors related to pre-hospital delay. However, there is a knowledge gap in studies that explore the bystander's experiences or significance when an individual is affected by acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We conducted an interview study with 17 individuals affected by ACS and the bystander(s) involved and performed a qualitative thematic analysis. In the pre-hospital phase, the bystander moved from suspicion of illness to recognition of illness while trying to convince the individual affected by ACS (p-ACS) to respond to bodily sensations. This led to conflicts and dilemmas which affected the bystander both before and after the p-ACS was hospitalized. Bystanders may influence pre-hospital delay in both positive and negative direction depending on their own knowledge, convictions, and the nature of their interaction with the p-ACSs. The bystander's influence during the pre-hospital delay is more extensive than previously recognized.

Offering, participation and adherence to cardiac rehabilitation programmes in the elderly: a European comparison based on the EU-CaRE multicentre observational study

AIMS 

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is strongly recommended but participation of elderly patients has not been well characterized. This study aims to analyse current rates and determinants of CR referral, participation, adherence, and compliance in a contemporary European cohort of elderly patients.

METHODS AND RESULTS 

The EU-CaRE observational study included data from consecutive patients aged ≥ 65 with acute coronary syndrome, revascularization, stable coronary artery disease, or heart valve replacement, recruited in eight European centres. Rates and factors determining offering, participation, and adherence to CR programmes and compliance with training sessions were studied across centres, under consideration of extensive-outpatient vs. intensive-inpatient programmes. Three thousand, four hundred, and seventy-one patients were included in the offering and participation analysis. Cardiac rehabilitation was offered to 80.8% of eligible patients, formal contraindications being the main reason for not offering CR. Mean participation was 68.0%, with perceived lack of usefulness and transport issues being principal barriers. Mean adherence to CR programmes of participants in the EU-CaRE study (n = 1663) was 90.3%, with hospitalization/physical impairment as principal causes of dropout. Mean compliance with training sessions was 86.1%. Older age was related to lower offering and participation, and comorbidity was associated with lower offering, participation, adherence, and compliance. Intensive-inpatient programmes displayed higher adherence (97.1% vs. 85.9%, P < 0.001) and compliance (full compliance: 66.0% vs. 38.8%, P < 0.001) than extensive-outpatient programmes.

CONCLUSION 

In this European cohort of elderly patients, older age and comorbidity tackled patients' referral and uptake of CR programmes. Intensive-inpatient CR programmes showed higher completion than extensive-outpatient CR programmes, suggesting this formula could suit some elderly patients.

Factors that influence adherence to treatment plans amongst people living with cardiovascular disease: A review of published qualitative research studies

BACKGROUND

Treatment plan adherence is recognized as a worldwide health issue, particularly important in the management of cardiovascular patients. Healthcare professionals are the primary sources of information and support for people diagnosed with CVD and those who have experienced a cardiac event, yet we know little about how healthcare professionals contribute to the process of adherence to treatment plans that aim to prevent and/or reduce disease and adverse events. Qualitative evidence that explores factors that influence adherence to treatment plans is limited.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review identified and synthesised the best available evidence on factors that influence adherence to treatment plans amongst people living with cardiovascular disease.

DESIGN

Systematic review and qualitative synthesis.

METHODS

Data were collected from Medline, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsychINFO, Embase- Non-Medline, Scopus, Cochrane Library, ProQuest Central (Grey Literature). Pre-defined keywords and MeSH terms were used to identify qualitative methods English-language studies published between 2001 and 2018. Quality appraisal of each paper was completed using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist and two reviewers extracted the data independently.

RESULTS

Twenty-two articles were included. Eight key themes were identified that related to facilitators and barriers to adherence to treatment plans. Facilitators were identified as engaging in exercise, having support and mentorship, lifestyle modification, and the perceived value of taking medication. Barriers were identified as a perceived lack of support, concerns about taking medication, and lack of engagement in exercise and lifestyle changes.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings highlight the factors that support adherence and healthcare professionals can build on also the areas that can be targeted to support and improve adherence to treatment plans. Nurses can play an important role in enhancing the provision of information pre hospital discharge and support in the community on taking medication, the value of physical activity and dietary changes.

Longitudinal evaluation of the effects of illness perceptions and beliefs about cardiac rehabilitation on quality of life of patients with coronary artery disease and their caregivers

BACKGROUND

Patients' negative illness perceptions and beliefs about cardiac rehabilitation (CR) can influence uptake and adherence to CR. Little is known about the interpartner influence of these antecedent variables on quality of life of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and their family caregivers. The aims of the study were: 1) to assess differences in illness perceptions, beliefs about CR and quality of life between patients with CAD and their family caregivers upon entry to a CR programme and at 6 months follow-up; and 2) to examine whether patients' and caregivers' perceptions of the patient's illness and beliefs about CR at baseline predict their own and their partner's quality of life at 6 months.

METHODS

In this longitudinal study of 40 patient-caregiver dyads from one CR service, patients completed the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire and Beliefs about Cardiac Rehabilitation Questionnaire at baseline and 6 months; and caregivers completed these questionnaires based on their views about the patient's illness and CR. The Short-Form 12 Health Survey was used to assess patients' and caregivers' perceived health status. Dyadic data were analysed using the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model.

RESULTS

Most patients (70%) were men, mean age 62.45 years; and most caregivers (70%) were women, mean age 59.55 years. Caregivers were more concerned about the patient's illness than the patients themselves; although they had similar scores for beliefs about CR. Patients had poorer physical health than caregivers, but their level of mental health was similar. Caregivers' poorer mental health at 6 months was predicted by the patient's perceptions of timeline and illness concern (i.e. partner effects). Patient's and caregiver's illness perceptions and beliefs about CR were associated with their own physical and mental health at 6 months (i.e. actor effects).

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the patients and caregivers had similar scores for illness perceptions and beliefs about CR. The actor and partner effect results indicate a need to focus on specific illness perceptions and beliefs about CR, targeting both the individual and the dyad, early in the rehabilitation process to help improve patients and caregivers physical and mental health (outcomes).

Longitudinal study of the relationship between patients' medication adherence and quality of life outcomes and illness perceptions and beliefs about cardiac rehabilitation

Background

Adherence to medication regimens is essential for preventing and reducing adverse outcomes among patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Greater understanding of the relation between negative illness perceptions, beliefs about cardiac rehabilitation (CR) and medication adherence may help inform future approaches to improving medication adherence and quality of life (QoL) outcomes. The aims of the study are: 1) to compare changes in illness perceptions, beliefs about CR, medication adherence and QoL on entry to a CR programme and 6 months later; 2) to examine associations between patients’ illness perceptions and beliefs about CR at baseline and medication adherence and QoL at 6 months.

Methods

A longitudinal study of 40 patients with CAD recruited from one CR service in Scotland. Patients completed the Medication Adherence Report Scale, Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire, Beliefs about CR questionnaire and the Short-Form 12 Health Survey. Data were analysed using the Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test, Pearson Product Moment correlation and Bayesian multiple logistic regression.

Results

Most patients were men (70%), aged 62.3 mean (SD 7.84) years. Small improvements in ‘perceived suitability’ of CR at baseline increased the odds of being fully adherent to medication by approximately 60% at 6 months. Being fully adherent at baseline increased the odds of staying so at 6 months by 13.5 times. ‘Perceived necessity, concerns for exercise and practical barriers’ were negatively associated with reductions in the probability of full medication adherence of 50, 10, and 50%. Small increases in concerns about exercise decreased the odds of better physical health at 6 months by about 50%; and increases in practical barriers decreased the odds of better physical health by about 60%. Patients perceived fewer consequences of their cardiac disease at 6 months.

Conclusions

Patients’ beliefs on entry to a CR programme are especially important to medication adherence at 6 months. Negative beliefs about CR should be identified early in CR to counteract any negative effects on QoL. Interventions to improve medication adherence and QoL outcomes should focus on improving patients’ negative beliefs about CR and increasing understanding of the role of medication adherence in preventing a future cardiac event.

Self-care of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus over the course of illness: implications for tailoring support

Purpose

Type 2 diabetes requires patients to make lifestyle changes and perform daily self-care. To determine at what stages patients may need particular self-management support, we examined (1) whether patients' performance of self-care related to their diabetes duration, and (2) whether illness characteristics (treatment and complications) and diabetes-related distress influenced this relationship.

Methods

Cross-sectional data from 590 type 2 diabetes patients were analysed through linear and logistic regression analysis. Self-care behaviours were assessed by the revised Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities (SDSCA) measure. Diabetes duration (model 1), treatment and complications (model 2), and distress, as assessed by the Problem Areas In Diabetes (PAID) scale (model 3), were stepwise included. Sociodemographic characteristics were added to all models to account for confounding.

Results

Patients with a longer history of diabetes were less physically active, but monitored their blood glucose levels more frequently than more recently diagnosed patients. These relationships were mediated by the presence of complications and the use of insulin, with lower levels of physical activity being found among patients with macrovascular complications and higher frequencies of glucose monitoring among patients on insulin. All predictors together explained maximally 5% of the variance in self-care, except for glucose monitoring (37%) and smoking (11%).

Conclusion

Type 2 diabetes patients' self-care activity changes over the course of illness. To provide tailored self-management support, diabetes care providers should take into account patients' phase of illness, including their treatment and complications, as well as their personal characteristics and distress level.

A systematic review and thematic synthesis exploring how a previous experience of physical activity influences engagement with cardiac rehabilitation

BACKGROUND

Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation is recognised internationally as an effective therapy to improve quality of life and reduce the risk of hospital readmission for individuals diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome. Despite this, half of eligible individuals choose not to engage and the main reason is lack of interest. Furthermore, prior to attending, 40% of eligible individuals report meeting physical activity guidelines. It is unclear whether this influences decisions about engagement.

AIMS

The aim of this review is to examine systematically qualitative evidence describing patients' perceptions and experiences, and synthesise what is known about how a previous experience of physical activity in adults diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome influences engagement with physical activity during cardiac rehabilitation.

METHODS

A systematic review and thematic synthesis was conducted of primary qualitative studies to examine peer-reviewed literature published between1990 and 2017, accessed from database searches of MEDLINE, CINHAL, PsycINFO and Embase.

RESULTS

The initial search produced 486 studies, and of these 12 relevant studies were included in this review. Studies included 388 participants from six countries. For previously active individuals, communication factors, self-perceptions of an exercise identity and experience of cardiac rehabilitation influence engagement in physical activity during cardiac rehabilitation.

CONCLUSION

In adults diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome, communication post event and during cardiac rehabilitation is a source of self-appraisal and creates expectations of cardiac rehabilitation. In addition, perceptions of an exercise identity and experience of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation influence decisions about engagement. To improve uptake and adherence, health professionals should consider previous physical activity levels and tailor information to optimise physical activity post event.

Dutch Translation and Adaptation of the Treatment Beliefs Questionnaire for Chronic Pain Rehabilitation

Background

The Treatment Beliefs Questionnaire has been developed to measure patients' beliefs of necessity of and concerns about rehabilitation. Preliminary evidence suggests that these beliefs may be associated with attendance of rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to translate and adapt the Treatment Beliefs Questionnaire for interdisciplinary pain rehabilitation and to examine the measurement properties of the Dutch translation including the predictive validity for dropout.

Methods

The questionnaire was translated in 4 steps: forward translation from English into Dutch, achieving consensus, back translation into English, and pretesting on providers and patients. In order to establish structural validity, internal consistency, construct validity, and predictive validity of the questionnaire, 188 participants referred to a rehabilitation centre for outpatient interdisciplinary pain rehabilitation completed the questionnaire at the baseline. Dropout was measured as the number of patients starting, but not completing the programme. For reproducibility, 51 participants were recruited at another rehabilitation centre to complete the questionnaire at the baseline and one week later.

Results

We confirmed the structural validity of the Treatment beliefs Questionnaire in the Dutch translation with three subscales, necessity, concerns, and perceived barriers. internal consistency was acceptable with ordinal alphas ranging from 0.66–0.87. Reproducibility was acceptable with ICC_{2,1 agreement} ranging from 0.67–0.81. Hypotheses testing confirmed construct validity, similar to the original questionnaire. Predictive validity showed the questionnaire was unable to predict dropouts.

Conclusion

Cross-cultural translation was successfully completed, and the Dutch Treatment Beliefs Questionnaire demonstrates similar psychometric properties as the original English version.

Intention, beliefs and mood assessed using electronic diaries predicts attendance at cardiac rehabilitation: An observational study

BACKGROUND

Cardiac rehabilitationis effective in promoting physical/psychological recovery following acute coronary syndrome. Yet, rates of attendance at outpatient cardiac rehabilitation by eligible patients are low.

OBJECTIVES

This study examined the determinants of attendance at outpatient cardiac rehabilitation in acute coronary syndrome patients following discharge until cardiac rehabilitation commencement.

DESIGN

A weekly electronic diary measured cardiac-related cognitions and mood and examined their relation to attendance at outpatient cardiac rehabilitation.

SETTINGS

Three United Kingdom National Health Service secondary care settings in two Health Board areas in Scotland.

PARTICIPANTS

Acute coronary syndrome patients were recruited from March 2012 to June 2013 prior to hospital discharge. Of 488 eligible patients referred for cardiac rehabilitation, 214 consented.

METHODS

Consecutive patients completed a pre-hospital discharge questionnaire targeting age, diagnosis, social class and smoking history. Acute coronary syndrome patients then completed a weekly electronic diary from the first week of discharge until the start of cardiac rehabilitation. Multilevel structural equation models estimated the effects of initial, i.e. baseline and rate of change in cardiac-related cognition and mood on attendance. Intention to attend cardiac rehabilitation was reflected, log transformed, reported thereafter as "do not intend". The role of "do not intend" was explored as a mediator of the relationship between cardiac-related cognition and mood on attendance.

RESULTS

166 participants provided, on average, 5 weeks of diary entries before cardiac rehabilitation commenced. High intention (i.e. low "do not intend") to attend CR and its rate of increase over time predicted attendance. Low negative emotional representation, high perceived necessity, high confidence in maintaining function, low negative affect, and high positive affect following discharge predicted attendance at cardiac rehabilitation. The rate of change in cardiac-related mood and these cognitions was not predictive. Baseline and rate of change in "do not intend" entirely mediated relationships between a) perceived necessity, b) negative affect and attendance at cardiac rehabilitation.

CONCLUSIONS

Negative affect in the first weeks following discharge represents the key challenge to a patient maintaining their intention to attend cardiac rehabilitation. Intervention to improve attendance should focus on improving intention to attend following discharge and during recovery by improving patient understanding of cardiac rehabilitation and reducing negative affect.

Does the Design of Settings Where Acute Care Is Delivered Meet the Needs of Older People? Perspectives of Patients, Family Carers, and Staff

BACKGROUND

Older people with an acute illness, many of whom are also frail, form a significant proportion of the acute hospital inpatient population. Attention is focusing on ways of improving the physical environment to optimize health outcomes and staff efficiency.

PURPOSE

This article explores the effects of the physical environment in three acute care settings: acute hospital site, in-patient rehabilitation hospital, and intermediate care provision (a nursing home with some beds dedicated to intermediate care) chosen to represent different steps on the acute care pathway for older people and gain the perspectives of patients, family carers, and staff.

METHODS

Semi structured interviews were undertaken with 40 patient/carer dyads (where available) and three staff focus groups were conducted in each care setting with a range of staff.

RESULTS

Multiple aspects of the physical environment were reported as important by patients, family carers, and staff. For example, visitors stressed the importance of access and parking, patients valued environments where privacy and dignity were protected, storage space was poor across all sites, and security was important to patients but visitors want easy access to wards.

CONCLUSIONS

The physical environment is a significant component of acute care for older people, many of whom are also frail, but often comes second to organization of care, or relationships between actors in an episode of care.

Patients' Experiences of and Perspectives on Phase 1 Cardiac Rehabilitation after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery

Purpose: This study explored and described patients' experiences and perceptions of phase 1 cardiac rehabilitation (CR) after a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) at a public hospital in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. CR is recognized around the world as an effective means of preventing disability and prolonging life in post-CABG patients. Despite this, participation in CR is low. Furthermore, little is known about patients' perceptions of CR programmes in South Africa. Method: We used a descriptive qualitative study design to study nine purposively selected participants (mean age 56 y) who had received only individualized CR post-CABG or individualized CR in combination with group CR exercise. The participants were organized into focus groups of attenders and non-attenders of the group CR exercise classes. The four attenders were all men, and the non-attenders were three men and two women. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and subjected to thematic analysis. Results: The three main themes that emerged were communication challenges between health care professionals and patients, the patients' experience of physiotherapy, and their recommendations for service delivery. Conclusion: Patients' perceptions of the current delivery of phase 1 CR in this study setting emphasized that improvements need to be made in the areas of patient-centred care, equality of access to programmes, and appropriateness of programme content. The results appear to indicate that patients have a limited awareness of and participation in in-patient and outpatient CR programmes. Research into improving the design of CR programmes in South Africa is required, in consultation with patients and the multidisciplinary health care team.

Stability and change of lifestyle profiles in cardiovascular patients after their first acute coronary event

Background

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Lifestyle and health behavior changes play an important role in the primary and secondary prevention of ACS recurrence. Changes in unhealthy lifestyles after an acute coronary event have been analyzed by considering separate behaviors individually, even though research on the healthy population has demonstrated that unhealthy behaviors tend to co-occur.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to identify lifestyle profiles of ACS patients and to explore their pathways of change for one year after their first coronary event by adopting a typological approach.

Methods

Two hundred and twenty-three patients (84% male; mean age = 57.14) completed self-report measures of health-related behaviors at the beginning of cardiac rehabilitation, and six months and twelve months after. At each wave depression, anxiety and heart rate were also evaluated. Cluster analysis was performed to identify lifestyle profiles and to analyze their change over time. Differences in psychological factors and heart rate among clusters were assessed.

Results

Patients' diet, physical activity, and smoking behavior greatly improved six months after their first coronary event. No further improvements were detected after one year. At each wave specific lifestyle profiles were identified, ranging from more maladaptive to healthier clusters. Patients with multiple unhealthy behaviors experience greater difficulties in maintaining a healthier lifestyle over time. Moreover, the results demonstrated the association between lifestyle profiles at twelve months after the acute coronary event and depression measured six months earlier. Finally, the most maladaptive lifestyle profile had many members with elevated heart rate at twelve months after the cardiac rehabilitation.

Conclusions

Current findings may have a strong practical impact in the development and implementation of personalized secondary prevention programs targeting lifestyles of ACS patients.

Barriers for Nonparticipation and Dropout of Women in Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major health problem worldwide. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs are effective in reducing mortality and improving the quality of life of patients with CVD. Women are under-represented in CR and have a higher dropout rate than men. We aimed to systematically review the literature on barriers perceived by women with CVD affecting their nonparticipation in and/or dropping out from CR programs.

METHODS

Systematic review was done using MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Open Grey, and Cochrane Database from inception to September 2016. Search terms included (1) heart disease and other cardiac conditions, (2) CR and secondary prevention, and (3) nonparticipation in and/or dropout. Databases were searched following the "participants, interventions, comparisons, outcomes, and study design" method.

RESULTS

A total of 24 studies (17 descriptive, 6 qualitative, and 1 randomized controlled trial) reporting several barriers were grouped into five broad categories: intrapersonal barriers (self-reported health, health beliefs, lack of time, motivation, and religious reasons); interpersonal barriers (lack of family/social support and work conflicts); logistical barriers (transport, distance, and availability of personal/community resources); CR program barriers (services offered, group format, exercise component, and CR sessions); and health system barriers (lack of referral, cost, negative experiences with the health system, and language). We found differences between the barriers related to nonparticipation in and dropout from CR programs.

CONCLUSIONS

Women reported multilevel barriers for nonparticipation in and dropout from CR programs. Future clinical guidelines should evaluate and eliminate these barriers to improve adherence to CR programs in women. In addition, understanding the barriers for nonparticipation and dropout may be beneficial for future intervention trials.

Association Between Cardiac Rehabilitation Participation and Health Status Outcomes After Acute Myocardial Infarction

Importance

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) improves survival after acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and referral to CR has been introduced as a performance measure of high-quality care. The association of participation in CR with patients' health status (eg, quality of life, symptoms, and functional status) is poorly defined.

Objective

To examine the association of participation in CR with health status outcomes after AMI.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A retrospective cohort study was conducted of patients enrolled in 2 AMI registries: PREMIER, from January 1, 2003, to June 28, 2004, and TRIUMPH, from April 11, 2005, to December 31, 2008. The analytic cohort was restricted to 4929 patients with data available on baseline health status, 6- or 12- month follow-up health status, and participation in CR. Data analysis was performed from 2014 to 2015.

Exposures

Participation in at least 1 CR session within 6 months of hospital discharge.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Patient health status was quantified using the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) and the 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12). The primary outcomes of interest were the mean differences in SAQ domain scores during the 12 months after AMI between patients who did and did not participate in CR. Secondary outcomes were the mean differences in the SF-12 summary scores and all-cause mortality.

Results

After successfully matching the cohorts of the 4929 patients (3328 men and 1601 women; mean [SD] age, 60.0 [12.2] years) for the propensity to participate in CR and comparing the groups using linear, mixed-effects models, mean differences in the SAQ and SF-12 domain scores were similar at 6 and 12 months between the 2012 patients participating in CR (3 were unable to be matched) and the 2894 who did not participate (20 were unable to be matched). At 6 months, the mean difference was -0.76 (95% CI, -2.05 to 0.52) for the SAQ quality of life score, -1.53 (95% CI, -2.57 to -0.49) for the SAQ angina frequency score, 0.38 (95% CI, -0.51 to 1.27) for the SAQ treatment satisfaction score, -0.42 (95% CI, -1.65 to 0.79) for the SAQ physical limitation score, 0.50 (95% CI, -0.22 to 1.22) for the SF-12 physical component score, and 0.13 (95% CI, -0.53 to 0.79) for the SF-12 mental component score. At 12 months, the mean difference was -0.89 (95% CI, -2.20 to 0.43) for the SAQ quality of life score, -1.05 (95% CI, -2.12 to 0.02) for the SAQ angina frequency score, 0.38 (95% CI, -0.54 to 1.29) for the SAQ treatment satisfaction score, -0.14 (95% CI, -1.41 to 1.14) for the SAQ physical limitation score, 0.17 (95% CI, -0.57 to 0.92) for the SF-12 physical component score, and 0.12 (95% CI, -0.56 to 0.80) for the SF-12 mental component score. In contrast, the hazard rate of all-cause mortality (up to 7 years) associated with participating in CR was 0.59 (95% CI, 0.46-0.75).

Conclusions and Relevance

In a cohort of 4929 patients with AMI, we found that those who did and did not participate in CR had similar reported health status during the year following AMI; however, participation in CR did confer a significant survival benefit. These findings underscore the need for increased use of validated patient-reported outcome measures to further examine if and how health status can be maximized for patients who participate in CR.

A pilot randomized controlled trial of telephone intervention to increase Breast Cancer Screening uptake in socially deprived areas in Scotland (TELBRECS)

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether a brief telephone support intervention could increase breast cancer screening uptake among lower socio-demographic women in Scotland, via eliciting and addressing barriers to screening attendance.

METHODS

In a pilot randomized controlled trial, participants receiving a reminder letter for a missed screening appointment (February-June 2014) were randomized to four arms: No telephone call (control), Simple telephone reminder (TEL), Telephone support (TEL-SUPP), or Telephone support plus anticipated regret (TEL-SUPP-AR). Primary outcomes were making an appointment and attending breast screening.

RESULTS

Of 856 women randomized and analysed on intention-to-treat basis, compared with controls, more women in the telephone intervention groups made an appointment (control: 8.8%, TEL: 20.3%, TEL-SUPP: 14.1%; TEL-SUPP-AR: 16.8%, χ(2)(3) = 12.0, p = .007) and attended breast screening (control: 6.9%, TEL: 16.5%, TEL-SUPP: 11.3%; TEL-SUPP-AR: 13.1%, χ(2)(3) = 9.8, p = .020). Of 559 women randomized to the three telephone groups, 404 were successfully contacted and 247 participated in the intervention. Intervention participants (ie. per protocol analysis) were more likely to make (17% versus 10%, χ(2)(1) = 7.0, p = .008) and attend (13% versus 7%, χ(2)(1) = 5.5, p = .019) an appointment than non-participants, but there were no differences in attendance between the three telephone groups.

CONCLUSIONS

A simple telephone reminder doubled attendance at breast screening in women from lower socio-demographic areas who had not attended their initial appointment, compared with a reminder letter only (odds ratio 2.12, 95% CI (1.2, 3.8)). However, contacting women proved problematic and there was no additional effect of telephone support or anticipated regret.

Using Visual Methods to Understand Physical Activity Maintenance following Cardiac Rehabilitation

Few studies have explored the factors associated with long-term maintenance of exercise following cardiac rehabilitation. The present study used auto-photography and interviews to explore the factors that influence motivation and continued participation in physical activity among post cardiac rehabilitation patients. Twenty-three semi-structured interviews were conducted alongside participant-selected photographs or drawings with participants that had continued participation in physical activity for at least two years following the cardiac rehabilitation programme. Participants were recruited from circuit training classes in East Sussex in the UK. Thematic content analysis revealed seven main themes: fear of death and ill health avoidance, critical incidents, overcoming aging, social influences, being able to enjoy life, provision of routine and structure, enjoyment and psychological well-being. Fear of death, illness avoidance, overcoming aging, and being able to enjoy life were powerful motives for continued participation in exercise. The social nature of the exercise class was also identified as a key facilitator of continued participation. Group-based exercise suited those that continued exercise participation post cardiac rehabilitation and fostered adherence.

Understanding patient participation behaviour in studies of COPD support programmes such as pulmonary rehabilitation and self-management: a qualitative synthesis with application of theory

BACKGROUND

In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the problem of poor patient participation in studies of self-management (SM) and pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) programmes (together referred to as COPD support programmes) is established. Understanding this problem beyond the previously reported socio-demographics and clinical factors is critical.

AIMS

The aim of this study was to explore factors that explain patient participation in studies of COPD support programmes.

METHODS

Thematic 'framework' synthesis was conducted on literature published from 1984 to 1 February 2015. Emergent themes and subthemes were mapped onto the adapted 'attitude-social influence-external barriers' and the 'self-regulation' models to produce analytical themes.

RESULTS

Ten out of 12 studies were included: PR (n=9) and SM (n=1). Three descriptive themes with 38 subthemes were mapped onto the models' constructs, and it generated four analytical themes: 'attitude', 'social influences' and 'illness' and 'intervention representations'. The following factors influenced (1) attendance-helping oneself through health improvements, perceived control of worsening condition, perceived benefits and positive past experience of the programme, as well as perceived positive influence of professionals; (2) non-attendance-perceived negative effects and negative past experience of the programme, perceived physical/practical concerns related to attendance, perceived severity of condition/symptoms and perceived negative influence of professionals/friends; (3) dropout-no health improvements perceived after attending a few sessions of the programme, perceived severity of the condition and perceived physical/practical concerns related to attendance.

CONCLUSIONS

Psychosocial factors including perceived practical/physical concerns related to attendance influenced patients' participation in COPD support programmes. Addressing the negative beliefs/perceptions via behaviour change interventions may help improve participation in COPD support programmes and, ultimately, patient outcomes.

Illness and treatment perceptions of patients with chronic low back pain: characteristics and relation to individual, disease and interaction variables

The significance of various cognitive and psychosocial factors in the development, progression and persistence of chronic low back pain (CLBP) is well demonstrated. However, only a few studies have addressed CLBP patients' cognitive representations or beliefs about their disease and its treatment. The present study aimed to: (1) describe the illness and treatment beliefs of patients with CLBP, e.g., expected timeline, controllability or treatment related concerns; and (2) explore the relation of these illness and treatment beliefs to individual-, disease- and interaction-related variables. We conducted a cross-sectional survey with N = 201 patients at four inpatient rehabilitation centers. The characteristics of illness and treatment perceptions were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Multiple regression analysis was used to test the associations with disease-related, individual-related and interaction-related variables. The results demonstrated large inter-individual variability in the illness and treatment perceptions among patients with CLBP and pointed to several associations with disease-related variables, patients' personal characteristics and interaction experiences. The variables most strongly related to individuals' perceptions were those reflecting disease severity and individual disease experience. Further research is needed on CLBP patients' illness and treatment perceptions, and these personal disease experiences should be considered when designing new treatment approaches.

Perceptions of exercise and quality of life in older patients in the United States during the first year following coronary artery bypass surgery

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

It is important for patients recovering from coronary artery bypass (CAB) surgery to initiate and maintain recommended exercise guidelines. The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe factors that influence adherence to exercise, and perceptions of activity limitations and health-related quality of life (QoL) in older patients recovering from CAB surgery.

SUBJECTS

Participants were 28 people aged 65 and older, prospectively recruited from a U.S. hospital following CAB surgery.

PROCEDURES

A qualitative description methodology was used to identify factors that influenced participants' feelings about exercise and QoL. Data were collected using phone interviews 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Data were coded by identifying significant statements, grouping them into meaningful units or "themes", and generating descriptions of participants' experiences and understandings.

RESULTS

Across time points, participants' most commonly described motivators were that it feels good to exercise, and belief that it improves physical health. The most commonly cited barriers to exercise were other time commitments, inclement weather, and pain/injury/illness related or unrelated to CAB surgery.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Motivating themes remained consistent across the time intervals but the number of responses regarding barriers to exercise increased over time. A better understanding of the patient experience may help to promote exercise initiation and adherence following CAB surgery.

Comparison of uptake and predictors of adherence in primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease in a community-based cardiovascular prevention programme (MyAction Westminster)

BACKGROUND

Despite the benefits of cardiac rehabilitation, uptake and adherence remain suboptimal. With the advent of NHS Health Checks, primary prevention programmes have also been advocated, but little is known about uptake and adherence rates. This study examined rates and predictors of adherence amongst patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and those at high multifactorial risk (HRI) attending an innovative programme integrating primary and secondary prevention.

METHODS

Comparison of rates of uptake and adherence and also predictors of adherence between 401 CVD patients and 483 HRI. The outcome was the number of sessions attended and predictor variables included clinical and psychosocial variables. Differences between groups were examined using t-tests and non-parametric tests. Multivariable regression analyses examined predictors of adherence.

RESULTS

Uptake to the assessment (CVD: 97%, HRI: 88%) and the programme (CVD: 78%, HRI: 74%) were high for both groups. An average of 8/12 was attended in both groups. Beliefs about treatment predicted adherence for both groups (P < 0.01). The alcohol causal belief also predicted poorer adherence amongst CVD patients (P < 0.02). Older age also predicted better adherence amongst HRI (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Rates of uptake and adherence were high for both HRI and CVD patients. Further research is needed to examine whether interventions targeting predictor variables further improve adherence.

Illness perceptions, mood and quality of life: a systematic review of coronary heart disease patients

OBJECTIVE

To examine published literature investigating the relationship between illness perceptions, mood and quality of life (QoL) in coronary heart disease (CHD) populations.

METHODS

Key databases were systematically searched (CINAHL, Medline, PsycINFO, Scopus and Web of Science) for studies matching the inclusion criteria between November 2011 and February 2012. References of included studies were examined and key authors contacted. Studies were subject to a quality control check.

RESULTS

21 studies met the inclusion criteria. A synthesis of the results found that illness perceptions were correlated to and predicted QoL and mood across CHD diagnoses. Specific illness perceptions (control, coherence and timeline) were found to be important for patients that had experienced an unexpected medical event, such as myocardial infarction.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study provide support that illness perceptions are related to outcomes across CHD populations and disease progression, however the results do not selectively support one particular model. Recommendations are consistent with cardiac rehabilitation guidelines. Further research should focus on the systemic impact of illness perceptions.

Factors influencing participation in cardiac rehabilitation programmes after referral and initial attendance: qualitative systematic review and meta-synthesis

Background:

Greater participation in cardiac rehabilitation improves morbidity and mortality in people with coronary heart disease, but little is understood of patients’ decisions to participate.

Methods:

To develop interventions aimed at increasing completion of programmes, we conducted a qualitative systematic review and meta-synthesis to explore the complex factors and processes influencing participation in cardiac rehabilitation programmes after referral and initial access. To be included in the review, studies had to contain a qualitative research component, population specific data on programme participation in adults >18 years, and be published ≥1995 as full articles or theses. Ten databases were searched (31 October 2011) using 100+ search terms.

Results:

Of 2264 citations identified, 62 studies were included involving: 1646 patients (57% female; mean age 64.2), 143 caregivers, and 79 professionals. Patients’ participation was most strongly influenced by perceptions of the nature, suitability and scheduling of programmes, social comparisons made possible by programmes, and the degree to which programmes, providers, and programme users met expectations. Women’s experiences of these factors rendered them less likely to complete. Comparatively, perceptions of programme benefits had little influence on participation.

Conclusions:

Factors reducing participation in programmes are varied but amenable to intervention. Participation should be viewed as a ‘consumer behaviour’ and interventions should mobilize family support, promote ‘patient friendly’ scheduling, and actively harness the social, identity-related, and experiential aspects of participation.

Evaluation of a newly designed shirt-based ECG and breathing sensor for home-based training as part of cardiac rehabilitation for coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND

Participation in phase-III cardiac rehabilitation (CR) remains low but adherence could potentially be improved with supervised home-based CR. New technological approaches are needed to provide sufficient supervision with respect to safety and performance of individual exercise programmes.

DESIGN

The newly designed closed-loop tool, HeartCycle's guided exercise (GEX) system, will support professionals and patients during exercise-based CR. Patients wear a dedicated shirt with incorporated wireless sensors, and ECG, heart rate (HR), breathing frequency (BF), and activity are monitored during exercise. This information is streamed live to a mobile device (PDA) that processes these parameters.

METHODS

A phase-I study was performed to evaluate feasibility, function, and reliability of this GEX device and compare it to conventional cardiac exercise testing (CPX, spiroergometry) in 50 patients (seven women, mean ± SD age 69 ± 9 years, body mass index 26 ± 3 kg/m(2), ejection fraction 58 ± 10%). ECG, HR, and BF were monitored using standard equipment and the GEX device simultaneously. Furthermore, HR recorded on the PDA was compared with CPX measurements.

RESULTS

The fit of the shirt and the sensor was good. No technical problems were encountered. All occurring arrhythmia were reliably detected. There was an acceptable comparability between HR on the GEX device vs. CPX, a good comparability between HR on the PDA vs. CPX, and a moderate comparability between BF on the GEX device vs.

CPX CONCLUSIONS

Comparability between CPX and the GEX device was acceptable for HR measurement and moderate for BF; arrhythmias were reliably detected. HR processing and display on the PDA was even better comparable. The whole system seems suitable for monitoring home-based CR. Further studies are now needed to implement training prescription to facilitate individual exercise.

A qualitative systematic review of influences on attendance at cardiac rehabilitation programs after referral

BACKGROUND

Cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention programs can prevent heart disease in high-risk populations. However, up to half of all patients referred to these programs do not subsequently participate. Although age, sex, and social factors are common predictors of attendance, to increase attendance rates after referral, the complex range of factors and processes influencing attendance needs to be better understood.

METHODS

A systematic review using qualitative meta-synthesis was conducted. Ten databases were systematically searched using 100+ search terms until October 31, 2011. To be included, studies had to contain a qualitative research component and population-specific primary data pertaining to program attendance after referral for adults older than 18 years and be published as full articles in or after 1995.

RESULTS

Ninety studies were included (2010 patients, 120 caregivers, 312 professionals). Personal and contextual barriers and facilitators were intricately linked and consistently influenced patients' decisions to attend. The main personal factors affecting attendance after referral included patients' knowledge of services, patient identity, perceptions of heart disease, and financial or occupational constraints. These were consistently derived from social as opposed to clinical sources. Contextual factors also influenced patient attendance, including family and, less commonly, health professionals. Regardless of the perceived severity of heart disease, patients could view risk as inherently uncontrollable and any attempts to manage risk as futile.

CONCLUSIONS

Decisions to attend programs are influenced more by social factors than by health professional advice or clinical information. Interventions to increase patient attendance should involve patients and their families and harness social mechanisms.

Participating in cardiac rehabilitation: a systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative data

BACKGROUND

Participation in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) benefits patients with coronary heart disease (CHD), yet worldwide only some 15–30% of those eligible attend. To improve understanding of the reasons for poor participation we undertook a systematic review and meta-synthesis of the qualitative literature.

METHODS

Qualitative studies identifying patient barriers and enablers to attendance at CR were identified by searching multiple electronic databases, reference lists, relevant conference lists, grey literature, and keyword searching of the Internet (1990–2010). Studies were selected if they included patients with CHD and reviewed experience or understanding about CR. Meta-synthesis was used to review the papers and to synthesize the data.

RESULTS

From 1165 papers, 34 unique studies were included after screening. These included 1213 patients from eight countries. Study methodology included interviews (n = 25), focus groups (n = 5), and mixed-methods (n = 4). Key reasons for not attending CR were physical barriers, such as lack of transport, or financial cost, and personal barriers, such as embarrassment about participation, or misunderstanding the reasons for onset of CHD or the purpose of CR.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a vast amount of qualitative research which investigates patients’ reasons for non-attendance at CR. Key issues include system-level and patient-level barriers, which are potentially modifiable. Future research would best be directed at investigating strategies to overcome these barriers.

'This is a forever project': supporting lifestyle changes in a regional Queensland community-based cardiac rehabilitation program

Cardiac rehabilitation programs throughout the world have struggled for several years to attract more participants and facilitate behaviour changes in these clients. Over the past few years, there has been an increased level of attention in the role that self-efficacy and social support may play in this respect. The main aim of this study was to explore self-efficacy and social support within a regional, community-based cardiac rehabilitation program that does not adhere to traditional cardiac rehabilitation structures. Twelve participants were interviewed and two major themes emerged from the thematic analysis of the interview transcripts: making personal lifestyle changes; and supportive environment for lifestyle changes. Although this study is exploratory in nature, it has highlighted the significance of social support from within a program as opposed to participants' friends and family, the subject of most social-support research. It also contributes to the challenges others are starting to make regarding the limited timeframes associated with traditional cardiac rehabilitation programs, suggesting more time may be needed to build firmer psychosocial foundations for behaviour change after cardiac events.

Exercise maintenance: COPD patients' perception and perspectives on elements of success in sustaining long-term exercise

Our goal was to elucidate how patients with COPD who successfully maintain a long-term exercise programme understand concordance with maintenance exercise and see potential solutions. The information, collected from 11 individuals through six in-depth interviews and one focus-group interview, was analysed by means of qualitative content analysis. Four themes were identified: (1) perception and acknowledgement of the disease; (2) the personal manner and empowering skills of the therapist; (3) perception of the exercise programme; and (4) left to myself-a pitfall in maintenance. Motivation to continue long-term exercise was related to how the patient is empowered to come to terms with the situation, the relational skills and expert competence of the physiotherapist, the patient's perceived mastery of the intensity of the exercise programme, and the physiotherapist's ability to individualize the exercise, peer support, and the availability and continuity of the programme. More attention should be paid to the link between PR programs and follow-up programmes. Crucial factors in this context are guidance of a municipal physiotherapist or instructor with extensive knowledge of exercise for patients with COPD, social interaction with peers in the exercise setting, enthusiasm, support, and ongoing communication between patients and practitioners across an entire continuum of care.

Cardiac rehabilitation outcomes in a conventional versus telemedicine-based programme

We studied patients who were eligible for phase II cardiac rehabilitation. Rehabilitation was delivered either conventionally or by telemedicine using videoconferencing. There were 226 participants: 173 at the conventional site and 53 at the telemedicine site. At baseline, blood pressure, anthropometric measurements, lipid profiles, activity levels, dietary intake and behaviours were assessed. Assessments at baseline were repeated after 12 weeks, at the end of the rehabilitation programme. There were no significant differences ( P > 0.05) in the change from baseline to post-programme values between the conventional and the telemedicine groups. The results show the suitability of telemedicine for delivering cardiac rehabilitation for risk factor modification and exercise monitoring to patients who otherwise would not have access to it.

Development and feasibility of a smartphone, ECG and GPS based system for remotely monitoring exercise in cardiac rehabilitation

BACKGROUND

Despite its efficacy and cost-effectiveness, exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation is undertaken by less than one-third of clinically eligible cardiac patients in every country for which data is available. Reasons for non-participation include the unavailability of hospital-based rehabilitation programs, or excessive travel time and distance. For this reason, there have been calls for the development of more flexible alternatives.

METHODOLOGY AND PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

We developed a system to enable walking-based cardiac rehabilitation in which the patient's single-lead ECG, heart rate, GPS-based speed and location are transmitted by a programmed smartphone to a secure server for real-time monitoring by a qualified exercise scientist. The feasibility of this approach was evaluated in 134 remotely-monitored exercise assessment and exercise sessions in cardiac patients unable to undertake hospital-based rehabilitation. Completion rates, rates of technical problems, detection of ECG changes, pre- and post-intervention six minute walk test (6 MWT), cardiac depression and Quality of Life (QOL) were key measures. The system was rated as easy and quick to use. It allowed participants to complete six weeks of exercise-based rehabilitation near their homes, worksites, or when travelling. The majority of sessions were completed without any technical problems, although periodic signal loss in areas of poor coverage was an occasional limitation. Several exercise and post-exercise ECG changes were detected. Participants showed improvements comparable to those reported for hospital-based programs, walking significantly further on the post-intervention 6 MWT, 637 m (95% CI: 565-726), than on the pre-test, 524 m (95% CI: 420-655), and reporting significantly reduced levels of cardiac depression and significantly improved physical health-related QOL.

CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE

The system provided a feasible and very flexible alternative form of supervised cardiac rehabilitation for those unable to access hospital-based programs, with the potential to address a well-recognised deficiency in health care provision in many countries. Future research should assess its longer-term efficacy, cost-effectiveness and safety in larger samples representing the spectrum of cardiac morbidity and severity.

Poor use of cardiac rehabilitation among older adults: a self-regulatory model for tailored interventions

BACKGROUND

A greater number of older adults now live with coronary heart disease (CHD). This poses a significant public health problem, because older adults are at high risk for CHD-related mortality and morbidity. Overwhelming data support the benefits of cardiac rehabilitation for secondary prevention, yet only a small portion of eligible older adults receive it.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Whereas many studies examined factors that affect the use of cardiac rehabilitation among older adults, few interventions aimed to improve their cardiac rehabilitation participation rates. A substantial body of evidence indicates that an individual's illness perceptions play a pivotal role in health behavior, and may be a promising target for intervention. Drawing from the theoretic and empiric findings of others, a self-regulatory model is proposed that explicates how CHD perceptions of older adults may influence participation in cardiac rehabilitation.

CONCLUSION

The model may provide a useful guide for the development of effective interventions tailored to older adults.

Knowledge of heart disease risk in patients declining rehabilitation

BACKGROUND

Participation in cardiac rehabilitation programmes (CRPs) allows patients to increase their knowledge of the importance of established risk factors to help them maintain healthy lifestyle changes after coronary heart disease (CHD).

AIM

To explore perceived importance and knowledge of known risk factors for CHD among non-attendees in CRPs.

METHOD

Consecutive non-attendees in CRPs (n=106) answered a questionnaire focusing on patients' attitudes towards risk factors and cardiac rehabilitation.

RESULTS

The non-attendees lacked knowledge of non-physical characteristics such as depression and social isolation. They also had poor knowledge about biological causes and hereditary factors. However, those who said they knew enough about CHD to prevent recurrent illness did have sufficient knowledge about the established risk factors.

CONCLUSION

There is a lack of knowledge about social isolation and depression and their importance in the development of CHD among the non-attendees. They show greater knowledge about biological risk factors than the importance of companionship, joy and happiness. CHD and loneliness are intimately correlated, so creating a sense of belonging must not be underestimated as a measure to prevent CHD.

Are older patients' cardiac rehabilitation needs being met?

Aims. The primary aim of this study was to examine the needs of older people in relation to cardiac rehabilitation and to determine if these were currently being met. A secondary aim was to compare illness representations, quality of life and anxiety and depression in groups with different levels of attendance at a cardiac rehabilitation programme.

Background. Coronary heart disease accounted for over seven million cardiovascular deaths globally in 2001. Associated deaths increase with age and are highest in those older than 65. Effective cardiac rehabilitation can assist independent function and maintain health but programme uptake rates are low. We have, therefore, focussed specifically on the older patient to determine reasons for the low uptake.

Design. Mixed methods.

Methods. A purposive sample of 31 older men and women (≥65 years) completed three questionnaires to determine illness representations, quality of life and anxiety and depression. They then underwent a brief clinical assessment and participated in a face-to-face audio-taped interview.

Results.Quantitative: Older adults, who did not attend a cardiac rehabilitation programme, had significantly poorer personal control and depression scores (p < 0·01) and lower quality of life scores than those who had attended. Few achieved recommended risk factor reduction targets. Qualitative: The three main themes identified as reflecting the views and experiences of and attendance at the cardiac rehabilitation programme were: ‘The sensible thing to do’, ‘Assessing the impact’ and ‘Nothing to gain’.

Conclusions. Irrespective of level of attendance, cardiac rehabilitation programmes are not meeting the needs of many older people either in terms of risk factor reduction or programme uptake. More appropriate programmes are needed.

Relevance to clinical practice. Cardiac rehabilitation nurses are ideally placed to identify the rehabilitation needs of older people. Identifying these from the older person’s perspective could help guide more appropriate intervention strategies.