Cardiac rehabilitation programs: An investigation into the reasons for non-attendance in Qatar

Despite the many benefits of cardiac rehabilitation programs, participation of eligible patients in these programs can be low. Understanding the factors that prevent cardiac patients from attending these programs can provide healthcare professionals with insights on how to reduce the barriers and increase participation. The purpose of this quantitative descriptive study was to investigate the reasons why patients residing in Qatar do not attend cardiac rehabilitation (Phase 11). The target population were 850 patients who were referred to cardiac rehabilitation during an eight-month period in 2015, but who did not attend Phase 11 of the program. Individuals were invited to complete a phone survey which included socio-demographic questions and a pre-existing instrument called the Cardiac Rehabilitation Barriers Scale. Forty-six participants completed the phone survey in 2016. The most frequently reported barriers were: work responsibilities (56.5%), time constraints (50%), already exercising at home/community (39.1%), distance to program (39.1%), travel out of country (32.6%), and not needing cardiac rehabilitation (32.6%). Results of this study can be used to inform the development of new policies that will reduce the barriers and promote attendance. Future qualitative research can be done to gain deeper insights into the reasons for non-attendance.