Experiences of People with Heart Failure in a Contextual Cardiac Rehabilitation Program: A Phenomenological Study

Abstract

Cardiac rehabilitation is widely recognized as an effective intervention for the secondary prevention of heart failure; however, participation rates remain low worldwide, including in Thailand, where existing programs are not well-suited to the Thai context. Therefore, a contextual cardiac rehabilitation program was developed to align with the Thai cultural contexts and lifestyles of Thai people with heart failure, and its effectiveness has been evaluated, demonstrating improved clinical outcomes. To gain insights into the development of a contextual cardiac rehabilitation program, this phenomenological study, part of a mixed-methods study, explored the experiences of people with heart failure who participated in the program and was conducted from December 2024 to January 2025. Ten participants were recruited purposively from a public tertiary hospital in Northeastern Thailand. Data were collected through two in-depth interviews, and transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. Six themes emerged: 1) receiving multidisciplinary care, 2) gaining more essential knowledge, 3) changing way of life, 4) improving body functions, 5) perceiving the project benefits, and 6) perceiving obstacles. The study’s findings reflected participants’ experiences on the contextual cardiac rehabilitation program, its impact on their lifestyles, physical and mental health, and the benefits and challenges of participation. This provided a deeper understanding of the phenomenon and can be used to improve evidence-based practices and to develop nurse-led, patient-centered cardiac rehabilitation programs that integrate family caregivers into the rehabilitation process, promoting long-term adherence from hospital to home.