Sharing the Story of the Cardiac Rehab Patient Experience: A QUALITATIVE STUDY.

PURPOSE: To provide a prototypical patient narrative of the cardiac rehabilitation (CR) experience for providers and prospective patients using narrative analysis.

METHODS

Qualitative interviews with 17 CR patients from a previous study regarding their experiences, reasons, and motivations related to engagement in CR were analyzed using narrative inquiry. Interviews were previously analyzed and coded for recurring themes, and these themes were implemented in an exploratory narrative inquiry to craft a CR patient "story." A hypothetical composite character representing the varied experiences of CR patients interviewed was developed, and a patient story was constructed that reflected on an initial cardiac event, time during rehabilitation, difficult experiences, social interactions, and personal values and accomplishments.

RESULTS

The CR patient narrative is presented for use in CR recruitment and programming materials, and in provider education.

CONCLUSION

The narrative analysis comprehensively provides patients with an amalgam of patient experiences and can be used by providers to gain an understanding of CR patient experiences. Further research is needed to determine whether use of the resulting narrative analysis within the referral process and/or programming could increase participation and engagement.