The effectiveness of a newly developed cardiac rehabilitation phase III program - a quantitative and qualitative approach to enchance service delivery

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Crowley, L

Affiliations: Physiotherapy Department, Bon Secours Hospital, Cork, Ireland

Note: [] Correspondence to: Louise Crowley. Email: lcrowley@bonsecours.ie

Abstract: Background: A phase III cardiac rehabilitation program has recently been developed in an acute hospital in Ireland. This study aimed to determine the effect of the program on physical, functional and quality of life outcomes and to evaluate the clients' perspectives on the program. Methods: A convenience sample of 12 participants from the cardiac rehabilitation program was assessed utilising independent assessors. Blood pressure (BP), body mass index (BMI), incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT) and Short Form 36 version two (SF36v2) health survey were assessed before and after a six week exercise and education intervention. Quantitative analyses were based on the non-parametric Wilcoxon Signed Rank tests. Two focus groups were conducted which were video and audio taped, transcribed and subject to thematic content analysis. Results: Quantitative results revealed no statistical difference (p>0.05) for BP and BMI. A statistically significant difference was found for the ISWT (p=0.017) and the SF-36v2 (physical component summary, p=0.005; mental component summary, p=0.05). Qualitatively patients perceived numerous benefits including increased confidence, education, sense of well-being and support. Patients suggested potential improvements that could be made to the program relating to the education session presentations, follow-up, parking and psychosocial input. Conclusion: This research reveals the effectiveness of the cardiac rehabilitation program in increasing physical and functional capacity, knowledge of lifestyle management and quality of life. Patients perceived numerous benefits and suggested areas for improvement in order to improve service delivery and ultimately patient care

Keywords: service provision, evaluation, cardiac rehabilitation, focus group, qualitative

DOI: 10.3233/PPR-2010-31102

Journal: Physiotherapy Practice and Research, vol. 31, no. 1, pp. 4-10, 2010