Abstract
Aims: Despite identified benefits, many people do not participate in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programmes and coronary heart disease (CHD) self-help groups when recovering from myocardial infarction (MI). Little is known about the influence of ‘significant others’ regarding participation, their role, and the significant others’ experience of rehabilitation without these resources. This article describes research aiming to explore the role of significant others in such non-participation, and their experiences and perspectives, and, from this, identify implications for policy and practice. Methods: A qualitative study was carried out in Lothian, Scotland. In-depth interviews were carried out with 27 people who had not participated in CR and/or a CHD Group after discharge from hospital 6–14 months previously following myocardial infarction, and 17 of their nominated significant others. Findings: Significant others are influential regarding their family members'/friends' use/non-use of rehabilitation resources. However, there are important limitations upon this influence. Conclusions: Significant others should be an essential consideration in post-MI rehabilitation, as influences on rehabilitation resource participation, potentially key providers of support, and regarding their own wellbeing.
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