Improving cardiac rehabilitation session attendance using the Self-Regulatory Model and motivational interviewing: A randomised controlled trial

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a theory-based, one-session intervention in enhancing cardiac rehabilitation (CR) adherence among patients attending their first class. The intervention session was structured to elicit and change patients' illness perceptions, and to enhance motivation. Design: Randomised, controlled trial. Participants: Patients attending for their first Phase III CR class were recruited. Outcome Measures: The primary outcome measure was the number of rehabilitation exercise sessions attended, providing data on participant adherence to the programme. The Illness Perception Questionnaire-Revised was used as a secondary outcome measure. Sociodemographic data and information on coping style and mood were also collected. Results: Patients in the intervention group were found to attend significantly more CR classes than the control group (p<.05). Illness perceptions were not found to be different between groups at three-month follow up. Sociodemographic, medical and psychological variables were not found to be associated with CR adherence, although high levels of anxiety and depression were reported among participants. Conclusions: Rates of initial CR attendance and ongoing adherence were relatively high among all participants. Improved adherence among the intervention group suggests that brief psychological intervention sessions may be useful within a CR setting. However, the lack of change in illness perceptions following intervention suggests that more research is necessary in order to understand the present findings. Other recommendations for future research are also discussed.

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

DClinPsy

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Glasgow

Year dc:date.issued

2009

Author dc:creator

• Taylor, Gavin H.

• BF Psychology

Language dc:language

en