Relationships between Psychoeducational Rehabilitation and Health Outcomes—A Systematic Review Focused on Acute Coronary Syndrome

Abstract

(1) Background: Cardiac rehabilitation is a multidisciplinary program that includes psychoeducational support in addition to physical exercise. Psychoeducational intervention is a component that has had accelerated interest and development in recent decades. The aim was to analyze the current evidence on the effectiveness of psychoeducational interventions for patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). (2) Methods: We conducted a systematic search of the literature via four databases: PubMed, CENTRAL, PsycINFO, and EMBASE. We included randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effectiveness of a psychoeducational intervention compared to usual care in ACS patients. We assessed the risk of bias using a modified version of the Cochrane tool. We analyzed data regarding the population, intervention, comparator, outcomes, and timing. (3) Results: We identified 6248 studies. After a rigorous screening, we included in the analysis 11 articles with a total of 3090 participants. Major adverse cardiovascular events, quality of life, hospitalizations, lipidogram, creatinine, NYHA class, smoking, physical behavior, and emotional state were significantly improved. In addition, illness perception, knowledge, and beliefs were substantially ameliorated (all p < 0.001). All this was related to the type and dose of psychological intervention. (4) Conclusions: Patients with ACS can receive significant benefits through individualized psychoeducation sessions. The cardiac rehabilitation program should include personalized psychological and educational intervention by type and dose.

Relationship satisfaction and psychological wellbeing in men having participated in the MindTheHeart® psychoeducation intervention after an acute coronary syndrome

“…It is possible that the initial improvement in depression symptoms may have been a result of participation in the intervention, however, the design of the current study prevents us from drawing such conclusions. Despite this limitation, research indicates that many psychoeducation intervention programs are successful in reducing post-ACS anxiety and depression (Cojocariu et al, 2021;Fernandes et al, 2017). Unique benefits of the MindTheHeart® intervention are that it is structured to meet the needs of male patients specifically, and that it strongly encourages life partner involvement.…”

“…Despite this limitation, research indicates that many psychoeducation intervention programs are successful in reducing post-ACS anxiety and depression (Cojocariu et al, 2021; Fernandes et al, 2017). Unique benefits of the MindTheHeart® intervention are that it is structured to meet the needs of male patients specifically, and that it strongly encourages life partner involvement.…”

“…Labelled the second leading cause of death in Canada, acute coronary syndrome (ACS) comprises a group of cardiac conditions in which a reduction or blockage of blood supply to the heart occurs (University of Ottawa Heart Institute, 2022). Unstable angina (UA), non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), and ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) are the main pathologies constituting ACS (Cojocariu et al, 2021). Recent clinical literature signals a high prevalence of psychological disorders in patients recovering from ACS.…”

“…Psychoeducation interventions have demonstrated success in alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety post-ACS and are even described as an integral component of CR by some clinical researchers (Cojocariu et al, 2021). Indeed, these interventions aim to educate patients on the mental health risks related to ACS and provide information that could correct beliefs and promote patients' active participation in the recovery and treatment process (Fernandes et al, 2017).…”

Depressive and anxiety symptoms and illness perception among patients with acute coronary syndrome

“…Results of the current study also provide a comprehensive understanding of Chinese patients' perceptions of ACS and its association with depressive and anxiety symptoms.Correcting misconceptions related to ACS and promoting positive perceptions can provide individuals with confidence and motivation to adopt suitable strategies for emotional regulation, engage in lifestyle changes and enable effective self-management of their condition(De Bacquer et al, 2022). A recent systematic review showed that psychoeducational interventions significantly improved illness perception, beliefs and health outcomes of individuals with ACS(Cojocariu et al, 2021). These findings suggest that interventions to promote positive illness perceptions of consequences, emotional response, personal control and illness comprehensibility may also contribute to the relief of depressive and anxiety symptoms among patients with ACS.…”