A group model building approach to understanding mental health challenges after a cardiac event

AIMS: Mental health is a critical component of recovery following an acute cardiac event, yet the factors shaping mental health across the care continuum are complex and interconnected. This study aimed to co-develop a shared understanding of factors influencing mental health following a cardiac event and to identify priority areas for intervention, informed by consumers with lived experience and key stakeholders. METHODS AND RESULTS: Group Model Building was used to collaboratively explore and visually map factors shaping mental health experiences after an acute cardiac event. A national sample of consumers with lived experience of a cardiac event (n = 3) and relevant stakeholders (n = 9) participated in facilitated workshops to reflect on factors influencing mental health across the cardiac healthcare journey. Eight interconnected domains were identified: knowledge, skills, health system context, personal context, emotional response, social influences, behavioural regulation, and beliefs about capabilities. Participants highlighted health literacy, systemic support for services, ability to navigate services, and person-centred approaches as key priorities for future action. CONCLUSIONS: Supporting mental health following a cardiac event requires coordinated, multi-level interventions that address interacting individual, service-level, and community factors.