Needs and Constraints for Cardiac Rehabilitation Among Patients with Coronary Heart Disease Within a Community-Based Setting: A Study Based on Focus Group Interviews

Li-Chao Ma,1,2 Shi-Ning Lou,3 Xiao-Li Zhu,3 Ruo-Lan Zhang,1 Lin Wu,1 Jiang-Yuan Xu,1 Xiao-Juan Ding,1 Juan Liu,4 Yan Wang1 1School of Nursing, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei, 071000, People’s Republic of China; 2Operating Room, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050000, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Work’s Hospital of China Lucky Group Corporation, Baoding, Hebei, 07100, People’s Republic of China; 4Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei, 071000, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Juan Liu, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, No. 212 of Yuhua East Road, Lianchi District, Baoding City, Hebei Province, 071000, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 13582292161, Email juanliulj07@126.com Yan Wang, School of Nursing, Hebei University, No. 342 of Yuhua East Road, Lianchi District, Baoding City, Hebei Province, 071000, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 13833258628, Email ywang_dr06@163.comObjective: This study aimed to explore the needs and constraints to cardiac rehabilitation (CR) among patients diagnosed with coronary heart disease (CHD) in a community-based setting, and thereby facilitating the implementation of effective CR programs for this population.Methods: Focus group interviews were used as the primary research methodology. A total of 11 community-dwelling individuals diagnosed with CHD were selected from a community hospital to participate in in-depth interviews, aiming to discern and analyze their requirements and constraints experienced concerning medical resources and healthcare agency. The textual data underwent examination using Colaizzi’s method of descriptive data analysis.Results: Deficits existed in the perceptions of patients with CHD within a community-based setting about their condition and CR, and in the social support for this disease. Patients expressed expectations for professional guidance during CR, gained an understanding about the beneficial effects of emotional stability on cognitive function. Patients expressed their thoughts and feelings regarding the diversity of physical exercise options. Two main themes and seven sub-themes were identified: (a) “Insufficient CR resources for patients”: Lack of awareness about CHD; inadequate knowledge about secondary prevention/CR; insufficient support from family and friends. (b) “Patient CR initiative”: Patient self-adjustment; expectation of professional rehabilitation guidance; stable emotions improving cognition; diverse attitudes and awareness of exercise.Conclusion: For more effective CR, community-based medical teams should provide more comprehensive and individualized rehabilitation programs. They should focus on individual variations and preferences of patients, as well as enhance the autonomy of patients and improve their self-care ability through effective empowerment measures.Keywords: coronary heart disease, cardiac rehabilitation, community sanitation service, self-care, patient needs