Qualitative interviews revealed that dietary restrictions, addiction management, and transportation costs were major challenges to cardiac rehabilitation adherence post-CABG.
Dietary restrictions, addiction, and transportation costs are key challenges to cardiac rehabilitation adherence post-CABG, highlighting the need for tailored support and strong rehabilitation teams.
Background Adherence to cardiac rehabilitation (CR) regimen is crucial in the post-coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) period. Cardiac rehabilitation involves various lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, regular follow-up in OPD, and implementing secondary prevention recommendations. This study aims to understand the challenges to CR post-CABG. Methodology Seven in-depth interviews using an interview guide were carried out in the outpatient section of the cardiothoracic vascular surgery (CTVS) department of a tertiary health care facility in Pune, India. A purposive sampling technique was followed. Results The qualitative study revealed that dietary restrictions were difficult to follow, that some patients could not quit smoking even after surgery, and that transportation costs were an issue regarding CR follow-up. The majority of the participants appreciated the importance of regular exercise in their post-surgery life. Conclusion Despite the hurdles, the majority of participants stated that the fact that CABG is a major treatment pushed them to attend routine CR follow-ups and adhere to the CR regimen. A solid CR team was one of the study's strengths, and the team established a routine of telephonic reminders for regular follow-up, which resulted in lower rates of loss to follow-up.
Borah et al. (Sat,) conducted a other in Post-coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) (n=7). Cardiac rehabilitation was evaluated on Challenges to cardiac rehabilitation post-CABG. Qualitative interviews revealed that dietary restrictions, addiction management, and transportation costs were major challenges to cardiac rehabilitation adherence post-CABG.