Patient preferences for the delivery of cardiac rehabilitation.

OBJECTIVE

To elicit patients' preferences for cardiac rehabilitation(CR).

METHODS

A Discrete Choice Experiment was used to quantify patients' preferences for the delivery of CR. This survey-based method elicited the relative importance of different characteristics of a program.

RESULTS

200 in-patients eligible to attend CR completed the survey. Over half of the patients strongly preferred a centre-based compared to a home-based program. Many but not all preferred a program starting within two rather than six weeks of discharge and exercise delivered in a group rather than individual setting, with exercise via the internet using telehealth strongly disliked. Some respondents preferred lifestyle information delivered one-to-one by a health professional, and there was an overall preference against delivery by smart phone Apps. Some preferred a program out of rather than within working hours and a shorter program (four weeks compared to eight weeks).

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides further insight into patient preferences for a CR program. Although the strongest preferences were for centre-based programs with healthcare professionals facilitating exercise classes and one-on-one education, it is important to offer flexible delivery as one approach will not suit everyone.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: There is the potential to improve CR programs by focusing on patient preferences.