Exploring the experience of using a web-based cardiac rehabilitation programme in a primary care angina population: a qualitative study

Aim: To explore patient experiences of using a new web-based cardiac rehabilitation programme. Methods: A qualitative approach was chosen and semi-structured interviews were conducted with sixteen participants. Data were analysed using a foundational thematic analytic process. Results: Two overarching themes - 'patient benefits and programme facilitators' and 'programme barriers' - were identified. Participants reported increased physical activity, improved psychological wellbeing and greater patient empowerment when managing angina symptoms. Certain programme components (exercise goal setting, the online exercise diary, tailored comprehensive information and communicating with rehabilitation specialists) were discussed in terms of facilitating engagement. Participants valued the intervention particularly as they had not been offered a rehabilitation programme during their standard care and, in particular, the convenience of the web-based programme with no restrictions on time or location. Programme barriers included family/work commitments, bad weather, receiving the programme late in relation to their angina diagnosis, preconceptions about an internet-based programme being suitable for a younger age group, the difficulty of making lifestyle changes when in older age, and the need to be motivated when carrying out the programme independently. Conclusions: Primary care angina patients could benefit from an online version of rehabilitation. Patients' views about useful programme components should be incorporated when developing web-based interventions.