Let's get active: patients with a recent coronary event are highly motivated to lose weight and increase physical activity levels. (2nd July 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Van Trier, T; Jorstad, H T; Peters, R J G; Somsen, G A; Sunamura, M; Ter Hoeve, N; Scholte Op Reimer, W J M; Snaterse, M
• Is Part Of: European journal of cardiovascular nursing. Volume 21(2022)Supplement 1
• Publication Date: 2022-07-02
• Subjects: Cardiovascular system -- Diseases -- Nursing -- Periodicals; Cardiovascular Diseases -- nursing -- Periodicals; Cardiology -- Periodicals; Nursing -- Periodicals; Vascular Diseases -- Periodicals; 610.7369105
• DOI: 10.1093/eurjcn/zvac060.053
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1474-5151

Abstract

Abstract: Funding Acknowledgements: Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): NWO-grant Title (Dutch): Het centraal stellen van behandelvoorkeuren van de individuele patiënt met een chronische hartziekte. Subtitle: Persoonsgerichte zorg voor hartpatiënten Introduction: Motivated patients are more likely to successfully improve unhealthy lifestyles. How patients perceive their risk factors and their willingness to improve is an integral part of this motivation. However, such preferences, and how they align with clinicians' risk perception are seldom systematically assessed in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Purpose: We aimed to investigate preferences in risk factor treatment in patients with CAD, and to compare this with clinicians' perception of patients' risks. Methods: We administered a 10-item questionnaire on patients' preferences on risk factor treatment in secondary prevention which was developed in consultation with end-users. We sent the questionnaire to approximately 450 patients who were referred to cardiac rehabilitation after recent (<3 months) admission to an acute coronary unit between Feb 2020 and Apr 2021. We demonstrate the results of 6 questions that covered the following subjects relevant to secondary prevention: Q1: risk factor perception, Q2: priority setting, Q3: wanting help, Q4: willingness to change, Q5: motivation to change, Q6: confidence to successfully change. We compared patients risk factor perception with clinicians' report in the medical record. Results: A total of 296 patients completed the survey (66% of eligible respondents) at mean (SD) age 64 (10) years on median (IQR) 38 (25-53) days after discharge. Physical activity was much more frequently reported as risk factor by patients (P 55%) compared to clinicians (C 31%), followed by other disparities such as for high cholesterol (P 48% vs. C 36%) and overweight (P 46% vs. C 59%) (Figure 1). Patients were asked which of their perceived risk factors on Q1 was most important to improve (Q2) and for which they wanted help (Q3). Top-3 risk factors chosen for improvement were overweight (87%), physical inactivity (81%), and stress (79%), for which 75% required help with any risk factor, again most frequently with increasing physical activity (64%), overweight (59%) and stress (51%) (Figure 2). Motivation and confidence for improvement of risk factors were high: 87% were willing to adapt their lifestyles, with motivation rates of median (IQR) 8 (7-9) out of 10, and estimated chance for successful improvement of median (IQR) 7 (6-8) out of 10. Conclusion(s): Patients who recently suffered from coronary event are highly motivated to lose weight and increase physical inactivity. The use of these patient preferences by the clinician will enable compliance and outcomes with respect to weight loss and improved physical activity.