Date of Award
Fall 11-2024
Degree Name
Masters of Science in Nursing
Department
Wellstar College of Health and Human Services
Committee Chair/First Advisor
Dr. Nancy Ballard
Abstract
As one of the most common causes of hospitalization, the prevalence of myocardial infarction is indisputable Since this condition is so ubiquitous, a treatment protocol is initiated with methods to help patients modify their lifestyle, treat their underlying disease process, educate them to prevent reoccurrence, and improve their healthcare outcomes. This protocol relies heavily on the use of cardiac rehabilitation. Despite the implementation of this treatment protocol, the concern for recurrence and rehospitalization remains. The goal of this integrative review is to determine how participation in cardiac rehabilitation post-myocardial infarction impacts healthcare outcomes including rates of rehospitalization and depression. The data collected from the research studies revealed a high percentage of failure to participate in cardiac rehabilitation post-myocardial infarction despite evidence that participation in cardiac rehabilitation improves healthcare outcomes. Existing research found that participation in cardiac rehabilitation post-myocardial infarction improved multiple outcomes including mortality rates and the rate of rehospitalization. Research on the effects of cardiac rehabilitation on the rate of depression and other quality-of-life metrics was generally inconclusive, however, findings may be related to the limited research available on the topic. Inconsistency in patient participation in cardiac rehabilitation post-myocardial infarction continues to be a major concern for the healthcare community. Further investigation into this problem, particularly into the barriers to cardiac rehabilitation, would provide further evidence on the benefits of cardiac rehabilitation and prove to be a helpful tool within patient care and discussion of outcome expectations post-myocardial infarction.
