Preferred models of cardiac rehabilitation in rural South Australia from a health consumer's perspective

Objective To investigate preferred models of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in rural South Australia from a health consumer's perspective. Design Cross-sectional, descriptive pilot study. Setting Rural community setting. Subjects Convenience sample of 40 (17 male) health consumers from the Riverland. Main outcome measure Self-reported preferred models of CR. Results A previous heart condition was reported by 57.5% of participants and 7.5% had previously been referred to CR. More than half (52%) considered their condition 'not serious at all' or 'slightly serious' despite reporting a significant cardiac history. Transport, convenience, and flexible programs were raised as major considerations for planning future services. Most participants (69%) listed their local hospital as a preferred program location, with 55% stating they would not use an internet-based program. Overall a group program was preferred to an individual program (46% vs. 36%), with a higher proportion of men preferring an individual program. Conclusions The main aim of cardiac rehabilitation is to maximise health and quality of life. However it is vital to consider other characteristics of CR, such as convenience, accessibility, flexibility, and personal beliefs and preferences. Health consumer preferences are therefore an important consideration when designing future programs, to ensure interventions are individualised, and designed to increase access and attendance while minimising barriers. This pilot study provides valuable insight into health consumer preferences for health care professionals and decision makers involved in planning further needs analysis and future cardiac rehabilitation services for rural South Australia. Further research is needed to ensure findings are both rigorous and valid and to ensure the development and implementation of future programs is based on the best available evidence.