Health care professionals' perceptions of hospital-based cardiac rehabilitation in mainland China: an exploratory study.
OBJECTIVE
To explore Chinese health care professionals' perceptions of cardiac rehabilitation for patients with coronary heart disease in mainland China.


BACKGROUND
Coronary heart disease is a rapidly growing major health problem in mainland China and little is known about the current provision of rehabilitation for this population.


METHODS
A qualitative study.


METHODS
Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 18 Chinese health care professionals. The interviews were tape-recorded, transcribed and content analysis was used to identify categories.


RESULTS
Content analysis of the data revealed three major categories: underdeveloped cardiac rehabilitation services, multiple obstacles to the establishment of a cardiac rehabilitation programme and a perceived need for professional guidance to patients.


CONCLUSIONS
The current situation of cardiac rehabilitation in hospitals of China is poor with multiple obstacles prohibiting the development of cardiac rehabilitation services in the country and this has resulted in high rates of recurrence of heart attacks, coronary risk factors going undetected and/or untreated and psychological distress being observed among Chinese coronary heart disease patients. Relevance to clinical practice. The findings provide useful pointers for Chinese health professionals to explore ways of providing an effective, safe, convenient and culturally sensitive rehabilitation programme for Chinese patients with coronary heart disease.
Wang
Wenru
W
The Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
Chair
Sek Ying
SY
Thompson
David R
DR
Twinn
Sheila F
SF
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002681:China; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation; D020380:Needs Assessment; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration; D015397:Program Evaluation; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D012047:Rehabilitation Centers / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires