ABSTRACT
Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death from non-communicable diseases and the leading cause of morbidity, disability, and mortality worldwide. Therefore, the need for cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs is imperative, with the ultimate purpose of reducing the effects of cardiovascular diseases and their recurrence. The health visitor (HV) has a key role in the provision of prevention services both at the in-hospital and out-of-hospital level.
Purpose: To explore the opinions, perceptions, and experiences of HVs regarding their role in CR. Material and method: A qualitative study was carried out with semi-structured interviews of 11 HVs. The data was analyzed using the method of thematic analysis.
Results: The study revealed that HVs’ face obstacles in their role as members of the interdisciplinary team, as well as challenges (positive and negative) related to the implementation of cardiac prevention strategies. They consider that they have a very important role in education and modification of their patients’ behavior in the context of secondary prevention, as well as in problem management during the implementation of the proposed project. In addition, they have a key role in introducing the usage of individual mechanisms for managing practical difficulties and the creation of an educational support network.
Conclusion: HVs have an important role in the interdisciplinary team of cardiac rehabilitation, and it is recommended to strengthen the existing health and rehabilitation structures with additional staff.
Key words: perceptions, secondary prevention, health visitor, cardiac rehabilitation, qualitative study
