Older adults' views of cardiac rehabilitation program: is it time to reinvent?

In spite of the documented benefits of cardiac rehabilitation program (CRP) participation, older adults are not likely to participate. Older adults' expectations of and experiences with CRPs are not known. It is also not known whether women and men differ in their expectations and experiences. This descriptive study used a convenience sample of 40 older adults who had experienced an acute cardiac event to identify patients' views of CRPs. Focus groups revealed that older adults do not have an accurate understanding of what to expect in CRPs, and that older adults' experiences in CRPs were generally positive. Older adults suggested CRPs could be improved by including more socialization opportunities, offering varied forms of exercise, enhancing teaching about stress management, and adapting teaching strategies. In this study, "strength of physician referral" was identified as the main reason for participating or not participating in a CRP. Older men feared physical pain with exercise and older women expressed a need for emotional support. A major finding in this study was the report of adverse events (i.e., exhaustion, collapse) during exercise experienced by individuals who did not go to a CRP. Because the majority of adults participating in CRPs are older, transforming CRPs to meet the needs of these older adults is important. Future research on the effectiveness of alternative CRP models will provide evidence to ensure the delivery of quality, cost-effective care.