How relevant and effective is the information given in a phase III cardiac rehabilitation programme?

Abstract

The purpose of this evaluation study was to consider the views of people attending a phase III cardiac rehabilitation programme in respect of the relevance of the information given in the educational component of the programme and to examine if that information can positively influence behaviour change. A review of the literature confirms that there is strong evidence attesting to the benefits of cardiac rehabilitation, despite this, important questions remain to be answered as to the value of the non-exercise element of the programme. Exploring patients’ views and preferences is considered a valid method of assessing the value of health care. A questionnaire incorporating both quantitative and qualitative components was used to collect data from a selection of participants attending the programme (n=54, mostly middle aged males). Descriptive statistics including frequencies and percentages were formulated to summarize and present the quantitative data, the responses to the qualitative data were thematically collated and analysed manually. Overall, the participants agreed the information they received in all of the educational talks was relevant to their needs. The findings also indicate that the participants were encouraged to make positive lifestyle changes, confirming the effectiveness of the information given as a means of instigating behavioural change.