Understanding illness perception as a barrier to cardiac rehabilitation uptake

Abstract

This is an exploration of some of the evidence that supports the notion that negative illness perceptions are a barrier to accessing cardiac rehabilitation services for people with heart disease. The evidence that exists and potential strategies to improve the issue will be explored. It is hoped that ideas for future service development can be recommended. Cardiac rehabilitation is a cost-effective service that offers people with heart disease a structured programme of care. Given the evidence that shows the effectiveness of cardiac rehabilitation, health professionals need to be aware of the barriers that exist so that services can be improved for patients, ensuring that they are tailor made, menu-based and patient driven.

Illness perception and cardiovascular health behaviour among persons with ischemic heart disease in Indonesia

“…However, all of these studies did not specifically focus on the relationship between illness perception and cardiovascular health behaviour. Furthermore, these studies are conducted in a clinical setting, whereas there are many more persons with IHD in the community [17] and there is a need to assess these persons illness perception. Broadbent [16] explained that illness perception could be linked to behaviour, specifically cardiovascular health behaviour.…”