Cardiovascular disease patient reported experiences with a web-based, interactive, clinically integrated cardiac rehabilitation program

Abstract

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background/introduction Patient reported experience measures (PREMS) encompasses a person’s interactions within the healthcare system. Understanding the patient experience is key to quality patient-centered care, and evaluating these experiences is essential to improving clinical outcomes and health care quality. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs contribute to redressing cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality by slowing the progression of CVD and restoring quality of life. There is consensus that CR suboptimal attendance and completion is multifactorial, and that different causes are involved. Thus, evaluating patient experience to improve CR program attendance and completion and reduce the burden of CVD is essential. Method A retrospective descriptive survey design was used for patients ≥18 years, who were enrolled and active with the interactive, and clinically integrated web-based program for their CR between July 2021 to December 2022. The primary outcome was patient experience, and the aim was to evaluate this experience. Results Of the 54 enrolled patients, 16 met the inclusion criteria and received an online survey link. Of these 9 (56.3%) responded. Most respondents were aged between 60-70 years (55.6%) and male (77.8%). Seven (77.8%) did a web-based program only, and hybrid (combined web-based and centre CR) were two, (22.2%). The main reasons for choosing this mode of delivery were restrictions relating to the COVID-19 pandemic (66.7 %), and/or geographical isolation and work commitments (33.3%). Most stated that they participated in their goal setting (89%), and 77.8% achieved these goals. Program completion was reported by 77.5% of patients, with 7.89 (SD 4.12) mean weeks completed. Information delivered in the education sessions was clear and easy to understand, contributing to positive lifestyle changes as reported by 77.7% of patients. All patients reported increased confidence across the CR health domains and being treated with respect and dignity. Regarding Phase 3 CR, extended ongoing outpatient attendance and exercise programs, 77.9% reported working with their GP and practice nurse to maintain lifestyle changes. Overall patients reported a positive experience from the web-based CR program stating, "I found this program to be very beneficial and would strongly recommend it to people having heart ops. Pity about covid stopping me attending face to face sessions. The phone and internet support was top notch". Conclusions Patients reported a high level of satisfaction with the education received and respect and dignity shown via a web-based CR program. This is fundamental to engagement with the program, behavior change and improved clinical outcomes in particular for patients with no access to center-based CR due to pandemics, work commitments and geographical isolation.