Cardiac Rehabilitation Online Pilot: Extending Reach of Cardiac Rehabilitation
Version 2 2024-06-04, 02:13Version 2 2024-06-04, 02:13
Version 1 2016-01-18, 10:11Version 1 2016-01-18, 10:11
journal contribution
posted on 2024-06-04, 02:13authored byRO Higgins, M Rogerson, BM Murphy, H Navaratnam, MV Butler, L Barker, Alyna TurnerAlyna Turner, J Lefkovits, AC Jackson
BACKGROUND: While cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is recommended for all patients after an acute cardiac event, limitations exist in reach. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the current study was to develop and pilot a flexible online CR program based on self-management principles "Help Yourself Online." METHODS: The program was designed as an alternative to group-based CR as well as to complement traditional CR. The program was based on existing self-management resources developed previously by the Heart Research Centre. Twenty-one patients admitted to Cabrini Health for an acute cardiac event were recruited to test the program. The program was evaluated using qualitative and quantitative methods. RESULTS: Quantitative results demonstrated that patients believed the program would assist them in their self-management. Qualitative evaluation, using focus group and interview methods with 15 patients, showed that patients perceived the online CR approach to be a useful instrument for self-management. CONCLUSIONS: Broader implications of the data include the acceptability of the intervention, timing of intervention delivery, and patients' desire for additional online community support.