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Zeller A, Gutenberg J, Niebauer J, Crutzen R, Kulnik ST. Patients' experiences and perspectives regarding the use of digital technology to support exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation: a qualitative interview study. Front Sports Act Living 2024; 6:1371652. [PMID: 38567184 PMCID: PMC10986307 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2024.1371652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Despite the well-known benefits of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation for the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease, participation in cardiac rehabilitation programmes and adherence to secondary prevention recommendations remain limited. Digital technologies have the potential to address low participation and adherence but attempts at implementing digital health interventions in real-life clinical practice frequently encounter various barriers. Studies about patients' experiences and perspectives regarding the use of digital technology can assist developers, researchers and clinicians in addressing or pre-empting patient-related barriers. This study was therefore conducted to investigate the experiences and perspectives of cardiac rehabilitation patients in Austria with regard to using digital technology for physical activity and exercise. Methods Twenty-five current and former cardiac rehabilitation patients (18 men and 7 women, age range 39 to 83) with various cardiac conditions were recruited from a clinical site in Salzburg, Austria. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. The analysis followed a descriptive phenomenological approach, applying the framework analysis method. Results The sample was diverse, including interviewees who readily used digital devices to support their physical activity, exercise and health monitoring, and interviewees who did not. Simplicity, convenience and accessibility were highlighted as important facilitators for the use of digital technology, while annoyance with digital devices, concerns about becoming dependent on them, or simply a preference to not use digital technology were commonly stated reasons for non-use. Interviewees' views on data protection, data sharing and artificial intelligence revealed wide variations in individuals' prior knowledge and experience about these topics, and a need for greater accessibility and transparency of data protection regulation and data sharing arrangements. Discussion These findings support the importance that is attributed to user-centred design methodologies in the conceptualisation and design of digital health interventions, and the imperative to develop solutions that are simple, accessible and that can be personalised according to the preferences and capabilities of the individual patient. Regarding data protection, data sharing and artificial intelligence, the findings indicate opportunity for information and education, as well as the need to offer patients transparency and accountability in order to build trust in digital technology and digital health interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Zeller
- Faculty of Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Johanna Gutenberg
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Digital Health and Prevention, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Josef Niebauer
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Digital Health and Prevention, Salzburg, Austria
- University Institute of Sports Medicine, Prevention and Rehabilitation and Research Institute of Molecular Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Rik Crutzen
- Department of Health Promotion, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Stefan Tino Kulnik
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Digital Health and Prevention, Salzburg, Austria
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Kenny E, Byrne M, McEvoy JW, Connolly S, McSharry J. Exploring patient experiences of participating in digital cardiac rehabilitation: A qualitative study. Br J Health Psychol 2024; 29:149-164. [PMID: 37722874 DOI: 10.1111/bjhp.12692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Digital cardiac rehabilitation (CR) has emerged as a promising alternative to in-person CR. Understanding patients' experiences and perceptions can provide valuable insights into what makes these programmes successful and identify opportunities for improvement. This study aimed to explore patients' experiences of digital CR and to understand the factors that make these programmes successful. DESIGN A qualitative approach was taken. METHODS From March to August 2022, we conducted semi-structured interviews with patients who were referred to one of two digital CR programmes offered on the island of Ireland. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. A public and patient involvement panel guided the recruitment strategy and assisted with data analysis. RESULTS Eleven patients, predominantly male (82%) and with a mean age of 64 (range 50-75), participated in the study. Five themes were developed: (1) Empowered patients; (2) Controlling the recovery; (3) At home but not alone; (4) The world at your (digital) doorstep and; (5) Challenges of interacting online. Participants reported that digital CR equipped them with the necessary tools and support to modify their lifestyle and effectively manage their recovery. However, the opportunities for social interaction were limited and communicating online was not always straightforward. CONCLUSIONS Participants reported that digital CR guided them towards recovery and improved their sense of empowerment and control. However, the limited opportunities for social interaction may represent a challenge for patients seeking social support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eanna Kenny
- Health Behaviour Change Research Group, School of Psychology, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Molly Byrne
- Health Behaviour Change Research Group, School of Psychology, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - John W McEvoy
- School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- National Institute for Prevention and Cardiovascular Health, Galway, Ireland
| | - Susan Connolly
- National Institute for Prevention and Cardiovascular Health, Galway, Ireland
- Galway University Hospital, Galway, Ireland
| | - Jenny McSharry
- Health Behaviour Change Research Group, School of Psychology, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
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Brouwers RWM, Scherrenberg M, Kemps HMC, Dendale P, Snoek JA. Cardiac telerehabilitation: current status and future perspectives. Neth Heart J 2024; 32:31-37. [PMID: 38085505 PMCID: PMC10781917 DOI: 10.1007/s12471-023-01833-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Multidisciplinary cardiac rehabilitation (CR) improves the prognosis and quality of life of patients with cardiovascular disease and has therefore received strong recommendations in international guidelines for the treatment of patients with chronic coronary syndromes and chronic heart failure. Aiming to both resolve several barriers that impede participation in CR and to improve the effectiveness of CR, cardiac telerehabilitation (CTR) has emerged as a cost-effective alternative to traditional, centre-based CR. Although the body of evidence for the feasibility and effectiveness of CTR is large and still growing, real-life implementations are scarce, which may be due to insufficient knowledge about CTR interventions and due to the challenges its implementation comes with. Up to now, mainly exercise-related core components of CR and e‑coaching have been investigated in the setting of CTR. Translation of research findings to clinical practice may be hampered by methodological limitations present in most CTR studies, being selection bias of participants, lack of long-term follow-up, heterogeneity of studied interventions and the lack of robust outcome measures. Besides conducting highly needed implementation studies for CTR interventions, their implementation could be facilitated by the development of guideline-based, multidisciplinary and personalised CTR programmes and widespread reimbursement for CTR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rutger W M Brouwers
- Department of Cardiology, Máxima Medical Center, Veldhoven, The Netherlands.
- Heart Centre, Catharina Hospital, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
- Department of Industrial Design, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
| | - Martijn Scherrenberg
- Heart Centre Hasselt, Jessa Hospital, Hasselt, Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Antwerp University, Antwerp, Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Hareld M C Kemps
- Department of Cardiology, Máxima Medical Center, Veldhoven, The Netherlands
- Department of Industrial Design, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Paul Dendale
- Heart Centre Hasselt, Jessa Hospital, Hasselt, Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Antwerp University, Antwerp, Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Johan A Snoek
- Isala Heart Centre, Zwolle, The Netherlands
- Sports Medicine Department, Isala, Zwolle, The Netherlands
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Wang LYT, Lua JYH, Chan CXC, Ong RLL, Wee CF, Woo BFY. Health information needs and dissemination methods for individuals living with ischemic heart disease: A systematic review. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2023; 108:107594. [PMID: 36563574 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2022.107594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This review aimed to identify the health information needs and preferred approaches to receive health information of individuals with Ischaemic Heart Disease (IHD). METHODS A systematic review was conducted. Relevant literature, published in English (January 2011 to October 2021), was identified across six databases. Guided by Coulter et al.'s framework for developing patient information materials, thematic analysis was performed. The findings were presented in tables and prose. RESULTS Fifty-nine studies were included. Eleven themes summarised the information needs of individuals with IHD. Each theme was supported with subthemes. Forty-five studies included information on preferred methods of dissemination. CONCLUSIONS Our review has characterised the diverse information needs of individuals living with IHD and dissemination methods for outreach to this population. Such insights inform healthcare providers in formulating patient-centred educational interventions to empower patients to undertake successful behavioural modification. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Patient education should be personalised and delivered according to individuals' risks for IHD and modifiable risk factors. The use of web-based dissemination of patient education has gained popularity among healthcare providers but sub-optimal adherence to these web-based interventions limits behavioural modification. Adding elements of in-person patient education session to complement web-based interventions may be more propitious to effecting behavioural modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laureen Y T Wang
- Alexandra Hospital, National University Health System, Singapore; National University Heart Centre, Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore
| | | | - Cassandra X C Chan
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Rachel L L Ong
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Caitlin F Wee
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Brigitte F Y Woo
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
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Duran AT, Keener-DeNoia A, Stavrolakes K, Fraser A, Blanco LV, Fleisch E, Pieszchata N, Cannone D, McKay CK, Whittman E, Edmondson D, Shelton RC, Moise N. User-centered design of a telehealth-enhanced hybrid cardiac rehabilitation program as hospital quality improvement. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2475875. [PMID: 36711987 PMCID: PMC9882652 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2475875/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Background Innovative program designs and strategies are needed to support the widespread uptake of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs in the post-COVID19 era. We combined user-centered design (UCD) and implementation science (ImS) principles to design a novel telehealth-enhanced hybrid (home and clinic-based) CR (THCR) program. Methods As part of a New York Presbyterian Hospital (NYPH) quality improvement initiative (March 2020-February 2022), we designed a THCR program using an iterative 3 step UCD process informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework and Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research to: 1) identify user and contextual barriers to CR uptake (stakeholder interviews), 2) design an intervention prototype (design workshops and journey mapping), and 3) refine the prototype (usability testing). The process was optimized for usability and implementation outcomes. Results Step 1: Semi-structured interviews with stakeholders (n = 9) at 3 geographically diverse academic medical centers revealed behavioral (e.g., self-efficacy, knowledge) and contextual (e.g., social distancing guidelines, physical space, staffing, reimbursement) barriers to uptake. Step 2: Design workshops (n = 20) and journey-mapping sessions (n = 3) with multi-disciplinary NYPH stakeholders (e.g., digital health team, CR clinicians, creative director) yielded a THCR prototype that leveraged NYPH's investment in their remote patient monitoring (RPM) platform to optimize feasibility of home-based CR sessions. Step 3: Usability testing with CR clinicians (n = 2) administering and CR patients (n = 3) participating in home-based sessions revealed usability challenges (e.g., RPM devices/exercise equipment usability; Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connectivity/syncing; patient safety/knowledge and protocol flexibility). Design workshops (n = 24) and journey-mapping sessions (n = 3) yielded design solutions (e.g., onboarding sessions, safety surveys, fully supervised remote sessions) and a refined THCR prototype. Conclusion Combining UCD and ImS methods while engaging multi-disciplinary stakeholders in an iterative process yielded a theory-informed telehealth-enhanced hybrid CR program targeting user and contextual barriers to real-world CR implementation. We provide a detailed summary of the process, and guidance for incorporating UCD and ImS methods in early-stage intervention development. THCR may shrink the evidence-to-practice gap in CR implementation. A future hybrid type I effectiveness-implementation trial will determine its feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness.
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Lahtio H, Heinonen A, Paajanen T, Sjögren T. The added value of remote technology in cardiac rehabilitation on physical function, anthropometrics, and quality of life: a cluster randomized controlled trial (Preprint). J Med Internet Res 2022; 25:e42455. [PMID: 37043264 PMCID: PMC10134015 DOI: 10.2196/42455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) cause most deaths globally and can reduce quality of life (QoL) of rehabilitees with cardiac disease. The risk factors of CVDs are physical inactivity and increased BMI. With physical activity, it is possible to prevent CVDs, improve QoL, and help maintain a healthy body mass. Current literature shows the possibilities of digitalization and advanced technology in supporting independent self-rehabilitation. However, the interpretation of the results is complicated owing to the studies' high heterogeneity. In addition, the added value of this technology has not been studied well, especially in cardiac rehabilitation. OBJECTIVE We aimed to examine the effectiveness of added remote technology in cardiac rehabilitation on physical function, anthropometrics, and QoL in rehabilitees with CVD compared with conventional rehabilitation. METHODS Rehabilitees were cluster randomized into 3 remote technology intervention groups (n=29) and 3 reference groups (n=30). The reference group received conventional cardiac rehabilitation, and the remote technology intervention group received conventional cardiac rehabilitation with added remote technology, namely, the Movendos mCoach app and Fitbit charge accelerometer. The 12 months of rehabilitation consisted of three 5-day in-rehabilitation periods in the rehabilitation center. Between these periods were two 6-month self-rehabilitation periods. Outcome measurements included the 6-minute walk test, body mass, BMI, waist circumference, and World Health Organization QoL-BREF questionnaire at baseline and at 6 and 12 months. Between-group differences were assessed using 2-tailed t tests and Mann-Whitney U test. Within-group differences were analyzed using a paired samples t test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test. RESULTS Overall, 59 rehabilitees aged 41 to 66 years (mean age 60, SD 6 years; n=48, 81% men) were included in the study. Decrement in waist circumference (6 months: 1.6 cm; P=.04; 12 months: 3 cm; P<.001) and increment in self-assessed QoL were greater (environmental factors: 0.5; P=.02) in the remote technology intervention group than the reference group. Both groups achieved statistically significant improvements in the 6-minute walk test in both time frames (P=.01-.03). Additionally, the remote technology intervention group achieved statistically significant changes in the environmental domain at 0-6 months (P=.03) and waist circumference at both time frames (P=.01), and reference group achieve statistically significant changes in waist circumference at 0-6 months (P=.02). CONCLUSIONS Remote cardiac rehabilitation added value to conventional cardiac rehabilitation in terms of waist circumference and QoL. The results were clinically small, but the findings suggest that adding remote technology to cardiac rehabilitation may increase beneficial health outcomes. There was some level of systematic error during rehabilitation intervention, and the sample size was relatively small. Therefore, care must be taken when generalizing the study results beyond the target population. To confirm assumptions of the added value of remote technology in rehabilitation interventions, more studies involving different rehabilitees with cardiac disease are required. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN61225589; https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN61225589.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heli Lahtio
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
- LAB University of Applied Sciences, Lahti, Finland
| | - Ari Heinonen
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Teemu Paajanen
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tuulikki Sjögren
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
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Qvarfordt M, Nilsson E, Nilsson L. Healthcare professionals’ experiences in telehabilitation: a qualitative study (Preprint). JMIR Hum Factors 2022; 10:e40690. [PMID: 37074772 PMCID: PMC10157457 DOI: 10.2196/40690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of digital communication in Swedish health care has increased in an effort to make health care more accessible. At the organizational level, trust in digitalization has stabilized, but a certain degree of skepticism regarding technology appears to exist among health care employees. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to explore health care professionals' (HCPs) experiences of digital communication with patients and colleagues in a habilitation context. METHODS Qualitative content analysis was used to analyze data derived from individual interviews. RESULTS The results revealed that there were mixed feelings regarding the digital format used at the habilitation center. Although some skepticism remained regarding the digital format, there seemed to be a parallel understanding of the motives and benefits of digitalization. Hence, positive aspects, such as increased health care accessibility, were identified. However, emphasis was placed on the considerations required to make digital consultations appropriate for each patient. CONCLUSIONS Managing a workday influenced by the balance between digital and physical demands forces HCPs to adjust to the digital format and new ways of working. This requires HCPs to consider whether digital means are appropriate for communication in individual patient-specific cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Qvarfordt
- eHealth Institute, Department of Medicine and Optometry, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Evalill Nilsson
- eHealth Institute, Department of Medicine and Optometry, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Lina Nilsson
- eHealth Institute, Department of Medicine and Optometry, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden
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Lahtio H, Rintala A, Immonen J, Sjögren T. The Effectiveness of Physical Activity-Promoting Web- and Mobile-Based Distance Weight Loss Interventions on Body Composition in Rehabilitation Settings: Systematic Review, Meta-analysis, and Meta-Regression Analysis. J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e25906. [PMID: 35323126 PMCID: PMC8990343 DOI: 10.2196/25906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Overweight and obesity are major problems worldwide, and they lead to an increased risk for several diseases. The use of technology in the treatment of obesity is promising, but in the existing literature, there is considerable uncertainty regarding its efficacy. In this review, we included web- and mobile-based weight loss interventions that were implemented remotely in rehabilitation settings. OBJECTIVE The aim of this systematic review is to study the effectiveness of physical activity-promoting web- and mobile-based distance weight loss interventions in rehabilitation settings on body composition in comparison with control groups that did not use technology. METHODS Studies were searched from 9 databases. The inclusion criteria were as follows: population: age 18-65 years; intervention: physical activity-promoting web- and mobile-based distance weight loss interventions; comparison: control groups without the use of technology; outcome: changes in BMI, waist circumference, or body fat percentage; study design: randomized controlled trial. The quality of the studies was assessed by 2 researchers. Meta-analysis was performed, and we also conducted a meta-regression analysis to evaluate the factors associated with the changes in body composition outcomes if statistical heterogeneity was observed. RESULTS The meta-analysis included 30 studies. The mean quality of the studies was 7 of 13 (SD 1.9; range 3-10). A statistically significant difference was observed in BMI (mean difference [MD] 0.83, 95% CI 0.51-1.15 kg/m2; P<.001), waist circumference (MD 2.45, 95% CI 1.83-3.07 cm; P<.001), and body fat percentage (MD 1.07%, 95% CI 0.74%-1.41%; P<.001) in favor of the weight loss groups using web- or mobile-based interventions. Meta-regression analyses found an association between personal feedback and BMI (P=.04), but other factors did not play a role in explaining statistical heterogeneity. CONCLUSIONS Web- and mobile-based distance weight loss interventions significantly reduced BMI, waist circumference, and body fat percentage. Future studies should focus on the comparability of the intervention content. Future studies are needed to better understand weight loss and identify which components are essential in achieving it. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42016035831; https://tinyurl.com/7c93tvd4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heli Lahtio
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, The University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland.,Faculty of Social Services and Health Care, LAB University of Applied Sciences, Lahti, Finland
| | - Aki Rintala
- Faculty of Social Services and Health Care, LAB University of Applied Sciences, Lahti, Finland.,Department of Neurosciences, Center for Contextual Psychiatry, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jaakko Immonen
- Faculty of Mathematics and Science, The University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Tuulikki Sjögren
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, The University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
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Vanzella LM, Oh P, Pakosh M, Ghisi GLDM. Barriers and facilitators to virtual education in cardiac rehabilitation: a systematic review of qualitative studies. Eur J Cardiovasc Nurs 2021; 21:414-429. [PMID: 34941993 PMCID: PMC9383179 DOI: 10.1093/eurjcn/zvab114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Background Due to restrictions imposed by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic much attention has been given to virtual education in cardiac rehabilitation (CR). Despite growing evidence that virtual education is effective in teaching patients how to better self-manage their conditions, there is very limited evidence on barriers and facilitators of CR patients in the virtual world. Aims To identify barriers and facilitators to virtual education participation and learning in CR. Methods A systematic review of peer-reviewed literature was conducted. Medline, Embase, Emcare, CINAHL, PubMed, and APA PsycInfo were searched from inception through April 2021. Following the PRISMA checklist, only qualitative studies were considered. Theoretical domains framework (TDF) was used to guide thematic analysis. The Critical Appraisal Skills Program was used to assess the quality of the studies. Results Out of 6662 initial citations, 12 qualitative studies were included (58% ‘high’ quality). A total of five major barriers and facilitators were identified under the determinants of TDF. The most common facilitator was accessibility, followed by empowerment, technology, and social support. Format of the delivered material was the most common barrier. Technology and social support also emerged as barriers. Conclusion This is the first systematic review, to our knowledge, to provide a synthesis of qualitative studies that identify barriers and facilitators to virtual education in CR. Cardiac rehabilitation patients face multiple barriers to virtual education participation and learning. While 12 qualitative studies were found, future research should aim to identify these aspects in low-income countries, as well as during the pandemic, and methods of overcoming the barriers described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lais Manata Vanzella
- University Health Network, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, 347 Rumsey Road, Toronto, Ontario M4G 2R6, Canada
| | - Paul Oh
- University Health Network, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, 347 Rumsey Road, Toronto, Ontario M4G 2R6, Canada
| | - Maureen Pakosh
- Library & Information Services, University Health Network, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, 347 Rumsey Road, Toronto, Ontario M4G 2R6, Canada
| | - Gabriela Lima de Melo Ghisi
- University Health Network, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, 347 Rumsey Road, Toronto, Ontario M4G 2R6, Canada
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