Open AccessBarriers and facilitators to participating in cardiac rehabilitation and physical activity: A cross-sectional survey
Author(s) -
Matthew Fraser,
Stephen Leslie,
Trish Gorely,
Emma Foster,
Ronie Walters
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
world journal of cardiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 1949-8462
DOI - 10.4330/wjc.v14.i2.83
Subject(s) - attendance , medicine , cross sectional study , rehabilitation , thematic analysis , physical activity , family medicine , qualitative research , physical therapy , pathology , social science , sociology , economics , economic growth
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) have been shown to be the greatest cause of death worldwide and rates continue to increase. It is recommended that CVD patients attend cardiac rehabilitation (CR) following a cardiac event to reduce mortality, improve recovery and positively influence behaviour around CVD risk factors. Despite the recognised benefits and international recommendations for exercise-based CR, uptake and attendance remain suboptimal. A greater understanding of CR barriers and facilitators is required, not least to inform service development. Through understanding current cardiac patients' attitudes and opinions around CR and physical activity (PA) could inform patient-led improvements. Moreover, through understanding aspects of CR and PA that participants like/dislike could provide healthcare providers and policy makers with information around what elements to target in the future.