The Effect of Home-based Cardiac Rehabilitation Program on Self Efficacy of Patients Referred to Cardiac Rehabilitation Center

Background: The prevalence of coronary heart disease is increasing worldwide contributing to mortality and morbidity of millions of people. Cardiac rehabilitation is an interdisciplinary activity with the aim of facilitating and improving the physical, psychological and emotional state of the patients with cardiac complications. This study aimed to evaluate the probable positive effects of continuing cardiac rehabilitation programs at home on self-efficacy of the patients with cardiac complications.

Method: In a randomized controlled trial, 80 patients referred to rehabilitation center from Feb 2009 to Jan 2010 were randomly divided into case and control groups. Both groups received routine cardiac rehabilitation programs in the rehabilitation center. In addition, the case group received education and practical training in various rehabilitation measures along with home visits of a community health nurse throughout the follow-up period. General Self Efficacy Scale (GSES) was used to assess self-efficacy between two groups at baseline and follow-up periods. Collected data from GSES questionnaires were analyzed using Minitab software and repeated measurement analysis model.

Results: No first time (before beginning of rehabilitation program) GESE differences were observed between case (26.36 ± 0.84) and control (28.53 ± 0.54) groups (P = 0.44). In the final measurement, GESE in case group was 36.59 ± 5.65 vs. 26.5 ± 0.91 in the control group. There was a statistically significant difference in self-efficacy between two groups and in different measurements (P = 0.000).

Conclusion: Home-based cardiac rehabilitation has a positive effect on patients' self-efficacy and therefore it is recommended for the patients suffering from heart diseases.

Trial Registration: RCT registration number: IRCT201106086747N1.