Exploring dyadic recovery needs in non-attendance to cardiac rehabilitation: a qualitative study of patients and their relatives

Abstract

Purpose: Non-attendance in cardiac rehabilitation remains a challenge. The underlying needs and preferences of patients and relatives are not well understood. This study aims to explore their experiences during early recovery after cardiac surgery to identify key barriers to participation and opportunities for more person-centred rehabilitation pathways.

Materials and methods: This qualitative, explorative study was grounded in hermeneutic phenomenology. Semi-structured interviews, conducted individually or dyadically, involved a purposeful sample of patients who had cardiac surgery and did not attend rehabilitation (n = 18) and their relatives (n = 10). Data analysis followed a three-step interpretative approach. Trials registration: 106233.

Results: Recovery experiences varied significantly, emphasising the diverse support needs of patients and relatives. The overarching theme "Tailored rehabilitation pathways after cardiac surgery: seizing the optimal window for person-centred recovery" encapsulated the findings. This theme comprised three subthemes: (1) Living with uncertainty and doubt; (2) Challenges to patients' and relatives' wellbeing; and (3) Transparency of the rehabilitation pathway and plan.

Conclusions: This study highlights the variability in recovery needs and reasons for non-participation in cardiac rehabilitation. To optimise services, it is crucial to assess and address the distinct needs of patients and their relatives. The findings will inform the co-design of tailored cardiac rehabilitation interventions.

Keywords: Qualitative research; cardiac rehabilitation; caregivers; interview; patient participation; referral and consultation; rehabilitation; thoracic surgery.