Cardiac rehabilitation adherence: A multifaceted approach

Abstract

Cardiac rehabilitation programs are crucial components of cardiac care, aiming to optimize the recovery of patients after cardiac surgery. Within these programs, physiotherapists play a pivotal role in guiding patients through exercise regimens, lifestyle modifications, and the management of pharmacotherapy. Despite their essential role, there remains a limited exploration of the knowledge, attitude, and practice of physiotherapists concerning cardiac rehabilitation program adherence, with a particular focus on the integration of pharmacotherapy, among patients discharged from Indian hospitals after cardiac surgery. This study conducted a structured analysis to comprehensively assess physiotherapists’ knowledge of cardiac rehabilitation guidelines, their attitudes toward patient adherence, and their practices in promoting adherence, taking into consideration the pharmacotherapeutic aspect. Preliminary findings reveal that a substantial proportion of physiotherapists possess an adequate knowledge of cardiac rehabilitation guidelines, emphasizing the significance of exercise, risk factor management, psychosocial support, and medication management. Attitudes toward patient adherence were predominantly positive, reflecting a strong belief in the program’s efficacy in improving patient outcomes. However, it is noteworthy that certain barriers to adherence, including patient motivation, resource limitations, and cultural factors, were identified. In practice, physiotherapists employ diverse strategies, encompassing patient education, exercise supervision, goal setting, and pharmacotherapeutic guidance, to enhance adherence among discharged patients. This review provides valuable insights into the knowledge, attitude, and practice of physiotherapists concerning cardiac rehabilitation program adherence, emphasizing the integration of pharmacotherapy, among patients following cardiac surgery in India. While physiotherapists exhibit robust knowledge and positive attitudes, challenges related to patient motivation and resource constraints warrant dedicated attention. These findings underscore the imperative need for targeted interventions and resource allocation to enhance adherence to cardiac rehabilitation programs, ultimately contributing to improved postoperative outcomes for cardiac surgery patients in India. Furthermore, further research is essential to explore the patient perspective comprehensively and establish a holistic approach to cardiac rehabilitation adherence that seamlessly incorporates pharmacotherapy.