Patient perspectives on outpatient cardiac rehab participation post transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI)

PURPOSE: Rehabilitation challenges faced by older adults (age ≥65 years) with advanced cardiac disease who are participating in prehabilitation (prehab), and cardiac rehabilitation (CR) are not well understood. The purpose of this study was to explore: (1) patients' perceptions of prehab and outpatient CR, and (2) what are the perceived barriers and facilitators to participation in prehab and outpatient CR following a TAVI procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this qualitative study guided by an interpretive description approach, we interviewed older adults recovering from TAVI, post completing prehab. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 11 individuals (8 male, 3 female). Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using a hybrid inductive-deductive thematic analysis approach guided by the Bronfenbrenner's Social Ecological (SE) Model. RESULTS: Four themes emerged related to their rehabilitation experiences, namely (1) the need of support from care partners, (2) a desire to get back to "normal", (3) access to services, and (4) the delivery of the rehabilitation program. CONCLUSION: Older adults recovering from TAVI report multilevel barriers to CR participation, post prehab. The need for individualized and timely outreach post discharge may be key in promoting program participation.