Co-design of cardiac rehabilitation delivery in the aftermath of COVID-19, putting the patient view back in the picture

Background:
Poor uptake and adherence to Cardiac Rehabilitation (CR) is a longstanding problem exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. Since lockdown, several alternative formats have been utilised to adapt to social distancing requirements, but evaluation of these is needed1.

Purpose:
This study uses Experience Based Co-Design to identify novel approaches to delivering CR in a post COVID-19 era.

Methods:
Using a co-design approach 58 participants were recruited, these included staff, patients who attended, dropped out or did not attend CR. Interviews and focus groups were recorded, transcribed, and analysed using template analysis. The results will be depicted through video at a co-design workshop where innovative approaches will be discussed and prioritised by the study participants.

Results:
The main themes developed from interview and focus group include 1. Staff & hospital treatment, 2. Patient characteristics, 3. Emotional state, 4. What Cardiac Rehabilitation is, 5. Time, location and delivery, 6. Self-Care and finally, 7. Technology. These themes are conveyed through a 15-minute trigger video along with quotations to stimulate discussion. Anticipated outcome will be 4-5 approaches which can be adapted for implementation.

Conclusion:
The forthcoming co-design workshop will present findings to patients and staff in a virtual setting allowing valuable co-ownership of the outcomes. This presentation will describe an innovative process that has redesigned CR using the perspective of all stakeholders and sought to maximise choice and flexibility for a post-COVID climate.