Impact of Structured Patient Education and Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation Program on the Disability Profile of Conservatively Treated Medically Stable Postmyocardial Infarction Individuals: A Protocol

Abstract

Introduction: Cardiac rehabilitation and patient education are the two parallel components in the management of coronary heart disease. Although, it is recommended strongly to join an outpatient cardiac rehabilitation program, the enrollment rates are always low. The role of structured patient education in increasing the enrollment in an outpatient cardiac rehabilitation program and its impact on the disability profile of conservatively treated medically stable postmyocardial infarction individuals, after joining and completing the rehabilitation program has not been studied. Aim: To study the impact of structured patient education and outpatient cardiac rehabilitation program on the disability profile of conservatively treated medically stable postmyocardial infarction individuals. Materials and Methods: The study is a mixed method design and will be conducted in two steps. Step 1: It is a qualitative study in which a structured patient education program will be developed based on the framework given by the working Group of Exercise Rehabilitation and Sports (GERS). Step 2: Implementation of the developed program and an outpatient cardiac rehabilitation program in an open-label non randomised clinical trial. Conclusion: The findings of this study will evaluate the need for the development of structured patient education programs for coronary artery disease patients, which may increase the enrollment rates in outpatient cardiac rehabilitation programs and thereby, reducing their disability.