Older Adults' Experiences of Technology in Home- and Center-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation

Following an acute cardiovascular event, cardiac rehabilitation is a core element in recovery. However, despite evidence of effectiveness in improving outcomes, uptake of such programs remains low. Providing cardiac rehabilitation services in the home, and using digital technologies to support delivery, are among current strategies suggested to enhance uptake and part of an overall digital response to healthcare access challenges. This study aimed to explore older adults’ experiences of engaging with a digital platform for cardiac rehabilitation, focusing on the priorities and challenges that shaped their use of technology-supported exercise, and to generate insights to inform the design and delivery of future programs. In an 8-week cardiac rehabilitation exercise program, participants were assigned to one of two groups; the intervention group took part in an online exercise class using a digital health platform, ECME-CR, while the control group attended in-person exercise classes. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, this paper examines the experiences of participants who undertook both formats of the exercise classes. A semantic thematic analysis of post-program interviews suggests high levels of satisfaction from participants in both groups. Suggestions for a hybrid delivery model, may meet a wider range of patient needs and preferences when incorporating technology into a cardiac rehabilitation exercise program. Models of cardiac rehabilitation using technology should be considered as a means of improving uptake and adherence to cardiac rehabilitation exercise programs, however, aspects of program management and delivery are also critical to attracting and retaining participants.