Motivational aspects of the cardiac rehabilitation programme

Abstract

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction/Background Cardiac rehabilitation programmes have proven to be effective in many ways in patients with cardiovascular disease. In fact, its implementation has acquired a relevant role in the European Clínical Practice Guidelines. The reasons why the programmes are successful are diverse, including motivating patients to improve their lifestyle. But, what specific aspects keep the patient motivated in the cardiac rehabilitation programme?. Method An anonymous survey was administered to patients who completed cardiac rehabilitation programme and who were considered by their physicians as successul in terms of lifestyle changes. A 13-question questionnaire was distributes (Table 1) including baseline characteristics. Patients were asked to rate from 1 to 5 (being 5 the highets rating) how important each of thes items had been in terms of motivation. Results 170 questionnaires correct completed were analyzed. Mean age was 66+/- 12 y.o. and 43 women (25%). The mode of studies level was primary school. Mean Value of Question (Q) 5: 4,68, Q6: 4,25 Q7: 4,54 Q8: 4,67, Q9:4,58 Q10: 3,91 Q11:3,962 Q12: 4,58 Q13:4,53. Conclusions Although many items were valued similarly, the most popular items were the trust in the information given by healthcare professionals( Q5) and the importance of feeling better and improving self-esteem (Q8), being scored over 4,5. On the other hand, the last popular items were the posibility of having a relapse (Q11) and the impact on social life (Q10) . The population who fulfilled the survey considered the programme valuable in terms of making them improve their lifestyle, being Q13 scored over 4,5 (4,53).