An Exploration of the Impact of the "Open Gym" Scheduling Model of Cardiovascular Rehabilitation on Completion, Attendance, and Health Outcomes.

PURPOSE: To explore the effects of implementation of the "Open Gym" (OG) scheduling model of cardiovascular rehabilitation administration on the rate of patient engagement and change in commonly measured clinical outcomes. Little data exist on the potential benefits of the OG model on patient completion, attendance, and clinical outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted that included the 1-y period both before and after OG model implementation. Bootstrapped regression and analysis of variance were utilized to determine (1) whether the scheduling model is associated with number of sessions attended and program completion, and (2) among those who meet their goals and thus complete the program, if the scheduling model predicts change in cardiovascular rehabilitation clinical outcomes (ie, percent weight change, 6-min walk distance, and peak metabolic equivalents during exercise) when controlling for baseline values. Follow-up analyses controlled for and explored interactions related to age, race, and sex. RESULTS: In this racially diverse sample (34% nonwhite), patients under either the OG model (n = 125) or the Traditional model (n = 82) attended an equivalent number of sessions and were just as likely to complete their treatment. However, clinical outcomes favored the Traditional model, even as more patients participated in the OG model, especially racial minority patients. CONCLUSIONS: Although the OG model is more consistent with patient-centered care, gains in functional capacity may be diminished. Furthermore, better controlled experiments are needed to examine the effects of implementing the OG model and should include measures of possible mechanisms influencing racial differences.

Life Values as an Intrinsic Guide for Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Program Engagement: A QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS.

PURPOSE: Participation in cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation (CVPR) programs can lead to improved functional abilities and improved quality of life, but attendance and adherence to these programs remain suboptimal. Behavioral therapies have emphasized the importance of life value identification as a guide for goal setting and behavior change for both psychological and physical health conditions. Individuals who choose to engage in behaviors that align with their life values are thought to be intrinsically reinforced. The purpose of the following qualitative study was to interview patients enrolled in CVPR about their own life values and motivating factors related to healthy behavior changes. METHODS: Thirty cardiac or pulmonary patients were recruited from a CVPR program and participated in a semistructured interview about their life values and motivating factors related to program engagement. The data were transcribed and analyzed thematically. RESULTS: Participants identified a wide range of values related to program engagement, and only half of the participants endorsed health as a value. The most frequently endorsed life values included being active, family, and independence. The interviews indicated that, although patients make lifestyle changes in the program to improve their physical health, there are often other values that primarily guide their choice to engage in and maintain lifestyle behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: Life values can serve as a powerful guide for individual behavior change. The present study suggests that the piloting of brief values interventions early in CVPR treatment is warranted and has the potential to improve patient outcomes.