Key result
Existential concerns shape patient engagement with cardiac rehabilitation after ischemic heart disease discharge.
Why the study?
To explore how individuals with IHD experience well-being and suffering in the early post-discharge period and how these experiences influence their perspectives on CR.
How do patients with ischemic heart disease experience well-being and suffering post-discharge, and how does this influence their perspectives on cardiac rehabilitation?
How do patients with ischemic heart disease experience well-being and suffering post-discharge, and how does this influence their perspectives on cardiac rehabilitation?
Patients' existential experiences shortly after discharge for ischemic heart disease influence their engagement with cardiac rehabilitation, suggesting that person-centered conversations integrating existential concerns can enhance participation.
May inform tailored cardiac rehabilitation strategies; hypothesis-generating for interventional trials.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study explores how individuals with ischemic heart disease (IHD) experience well-being and suffering in the early post-discharge period and how these experiences influence their perspectives on cardiac rehabilitation (CR). METHODOLOGICAL DESIGN: A phenomenological-hermeneutic approach was applied. Semi-structured interviews explored participants' lived experiences. The COREQ guideline was followed. ETHICAL ISSUES AND APPROVAL: The study is registered in the Internal Directory of Research Projects in the Central Denmark Region (reg. no. 1-16-02-232-19). It adheres to ethical principles for qualitative research, and all participants gave verbal and written informed consent. METHODS: We conducted semi-structured interviews with 17 patients recently discharged following hospitalisation for IHD. Interviews were analysed using a five-step meaning condensation process, guided by existential theory on dwelling-mobility. RESULTS: The overarching theme 'The ambiguity of being mortal and living well' captures the paradox of existential 'homelessness' and possibilities for well-being. Three themes emerged: (1) Existential concerns and considering the severity of the disease-facing uncertainty and struggling to trust in the body; (2) Confidence in returning to a normal everyday life-regaining control through social support and familiar activities; (3) Existential possibilities and appreciation of life-a renewed outlook marked by gratitude and motivation for meaningful change. CR is perceived as a source of reassurance and support, but must feel personally relevant. CONCLUSION: Patients' existential experiences shortly after discharge influence their engagement with CR. A person-centred conversation about CR that integrates existential concerns can support well-being, foster confidence and enhance CR participation.
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Rasmussen et al. (2025) studied Ischemic heart disease (IHD) (n=17). Early post-discharge period and cardiac rehabilitation was evaluated on Experiences of well-being and suffering in the early post-discharge period and perspectives on cardiac rehabilitation. In 17 patients recently discharged for ischemic heart disease, existential experiences and concerns were found to influence their engagement with cardiac rehabilitation.
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