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Rehabilitation aftercare programs can enable patients with cardiovascular disease to sustain and improve achievements made during their rehabilitation. However, not every patient is able to attend outpatient aftercare programs, especially if they interfere with professional or social responsibilities. Telemedical alternatives could provide those patients with longer durations or varying degrees of aftercare, regardless of location or time restriction. The present study aimed to investigate what cardiovascular rehabilitation patients expect from a telemedical aftercare program.Data was collected in individual semi-structured interviews with cardiovascular rehabilitation patients, where subjects were asked about their expectations towards a telemedical aftercare program. To identify groups of associated topics, the results obtained were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.Nine cardiovascular rehabilitation patients were interviewed (8 male, 1 female). None of the respondents had ever taken part in a telemedical aftercare program; however, eight out of the nine patients indicated their willingness to participate in such a program. Patients preferred telephone-based aftercare programs where they could speak with a member of staff familiar with the patient's clinical picture, circumstances and goals. Some respondents wanted additional web-based services or services via text message.Overall, the option of telemedical aftercare was viewed favorably by rehabilitation patients as long as the program included personal contact with a healthcare provider. Respondents preferred interaction via familiar media, especially by phone. Low-threshold experiences with new technologies may help overcome reservations and facilitate acceptance of innovative telemedical services in rehabilitation patients. Personal interaction with an attending member of staff should occur throughout aftercare programs, at least occasionally or during initial the stage. |
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