title: How to research the mechanisms of non-pharmacological cardiac interventions.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To discuss research into the mechanisms of non-pharmacological interventions for cardiac populations.
  
  
  METHODS
  Overview of past research and theory.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Non-pharmacological interventions for cardiac patients (including: cardiac rehabilitation, heart failure disease management programs and psychosocial interventions) have never been so common or diverse, but also have never been subject to so much scrutiny and skepticism. Better understanding of outcomes of these interventions is an urgent global priority. Mechanisms are the "underlying entities, processes, or structures which operate in particular contexts to generate outcomes of interest."
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Research into the mechanisms of non-pharmacological interventions offers useful and robust knowledge of how and why cardiac interventions work that can be vital to explaining outcomes from interventions and inconsistencies in results.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Research into intervention mechanisms can inform the design and optimization of interventions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We recommend that future research into the mechanisms of non-pharmacological interventions for cardiac population 1) view effectiveness as 'somewhat' patterned, 2) conceptualize mechanisms adequately, 3) assume they are hidden, 4) examine how context affects mechanisms, and 6) address what works for whom, when, and why.
authors: Faculty of Nursing, Level 5 Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, 11405-87 Avenue, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada.
authors: A M
authors: AM
authors: Clark
authors: Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
authors: L M
authors: LM
authors: Thirsk
authors: Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
authors: K S
authors: KS
authors: Wiens
authors: Centre for the Heart and Mind, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Australia.
authors: C F
authors: CF
authors: Ski
authors: Centre for the Heart and Mind, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Australia.
authors: D R
authors: DR
authors: Thompson
mesh_terms: D057186:Comparative Effectiveness Research / Q000379:methods; D019468:Disease Management; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D000067250:Psychiatric Rehabilitation / Q000379:methods; D012046:Rehabilitation
keywords: Comparative effectiveness research; Disease management; Health promotion; Heart failure; Mechanisms