Rejuvenating rehabilitation: outcomes from an Experience Based Co-Design approach to improve engagement with Cardiac Rehabilitation

Introduction
Lack of engagement with Cardiac Rehabilitation (CR) has been a persistent concern despite best efforts globally to improve. This study was conducted using Experience Based Co-Design a methodology where staff and patients contribute in partnership. The aim of the study was to identify key problems and develop practical solutions to poor engagement with CR.

Methods
A Co-design workshop was delivered virtually in April 2021 with 37 staff and patient participants. The workshop commenced with a 15-minute video portraying patient and staff experience and was informed by focus group and interview data. Participants were split into 4 breakout groups for in-depth discussions around key areas. The workshop was transcribed, analysed and reported at a second co-design workshop 8 weeks later.

Results
11 themes were developed from the first workshop, including “Misunderstanding about CR” and “Overwhelmed with information”. The themes informed five potential solutions identified by the study team. Participants prioritised and provided feedback on the potential solutions at the second workshop. Three potential solutions, focusing upon patient and public understanding of CR and accessing information, are undergoing further development through participant working groups.

Conclusion
The Co-design workshops have offered practical and achievable solutions to potentially improve engagement with CR. The process highlighted multiple issues around engagement which require a range of solutions to remedy, ranging from quick and easy operational changes to complex interventions which require further development.