Attitudes of cardiac rehabilitation and stroke teams towards integration of stroke survivors into adapted cardiac rehabilitation: A focus group study.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the attitudes and beliefs of cardiac rehabilitation and stroke teams towards adapted cardiac rehabilitation, and the broader topics of exercise, healthy lifestyles and health behaviour change, for people with mild-to-moderate severity stroke in the sub-acute phase of recovery.

DESIGN

Qualitative focus group-based study.

SETTING

Acute and community national health service trusts.

PARTICIPANTS

Stroke and cardiac rehabilitation team members.

INTERVENTION

Adapted cardiac rehabilitation.

MAIN MEASURES

Focus groups. Thematic analysis was applied to the transcribed data.

RESULTS

Overall, 57 health professionals participated in 12 focus groups. Positive impacts for teams and stroke survivors were identified particularly confidence. However, there were negatives, barriers and adaptations identified. In addition, there was a lack of knowledge for cardiac rehabilitation teams in relation to stroke survivors and stroke teams in relation to cardiac rehabilitation, exercise and healthy lifestyles.

CONCLUSIONS

Cardiac rehabilitation and stroke staff attitudes to cardiac rehabilitation for stroke survivors showed a range of benefits, negatives, barriers and adaptations needed. Confidence and knowledge of the cardiac rehabilitation and stroke teams needs to be addressed.

REGISTRATION

ISRCTN65957980.