Collaborating with consumers to design a patient centred model of cardiac rehabilitation to promote engagement
Katie Palmer1,2 1Monash University, 2Monash Health
Abstract
Background: Cardiac Rehabilitation is a well-established, evidenced based model of care designed to support meaningful recovery following a cardiac event and/or intervention. Despite this recognition, globally attendance and completion rates for the program remain around 20% of those eligible. Consumer engagement is a widely recognised vital part of service design. The aim of this study was to design a new model of care for a cardiac rehabilitation program, using the consumer voice.
Methods: The consumer engagement sought to use a collaborative approach. Eight consumers with experience as a cardiac patient in both hospital and outpatient settings participated in the process. One consumer had previous participated in cardiac rehabilitation. Virtual focus groups were held, with additional email communication between sessions, focusing on the consumer’s cardiac experience, information and service preferences. A drafted model was then circulated to consumers for feedback and finalisation.
Result: Consumers (62.5% male) provided feedback on both inpatient and ambulatory cardiac rehabilitation programs. Inpatient adaptations included the topics and timing of interventions, who delivered it and a preference for e-resources. Ambulatory co-design advice included the preference to a permanent hybrid model that included the ability to mix face-to-face and virtual appointments, flexibility with program length, session frequency, and program profile.
Conclusion: The new model of care includes an innovative design that promotes the principles of individualisation, flexibility, access, and opportunity. This patient centred design allows patients to make collaborative, informed decisions about their rehabilitation program, from inpatient through to the ambulatory setting.
Biography
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