A Mixed Methods Evaluation of the Feasibility and Acceptability of an Adapted Cardiac Rehabilitation Program for Home Care Patients

Home care clinicians have an opportunity to improve care for post-hospitalization patients with cardiovascular disease. This mixed methods study examined the feasibility and acceptability of an adapted cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program for the home care setting. Surveys measuring patient self-care and knowledge were administered to patients (n = 46) at baseline and at 30-day follow-up. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients (n = 28) and home care clinicians (n = 11) at completion of the program. All survey indicators demonstrated a trend towards improvement, with a statistically significant increase in the self-care management subscale (p = 0.002). Qualitative analyses identified three patient themes (self-awareness, nutrition, motivation) and three clinician themes (systematic approach, motivation, patient selection process). Incorporating CR into the home care setting proved to be a feasible and acceptable approach to increasing access to CR services among elderly patients.