Abstract
Background
Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) societies recommend assessment of patient satisfaction given its association with health care utilization and outcomes. Recently, the Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (PACIC, Glasgow) was recommended as an appropriate tool for the CR setting. The objectives of this study were to 1) describe patient satisfaction with CR, 2) test the psychometric properties of the PACIC in the CR setting, and 3) assess the association of patient satisfaction with CR utilization and outcomes.
Methods
Secondary analysis was conducted on an observational, prospective CR program evaluation cohort. A convenience sample of patients from 1 of 3 CR programs was approached at their first CR visit, and consenting participants completed a survey. Clinical data were extracted from charts pre- and post-program. Participants were e-mailed surveys again 6 months (including the PACIC) and 1 and 2 years later.
Results
Of 411 consenting patients, 247 (60.2%) completed CR. The mean PACIC score was 2.8±1.1/5. Internal reliability was α=0.95. The total PACIC score varied significantly by site (F=3.12, P=0.046), indicating discriminant validity. Patient satisfaction was significantly related to greater CR adherence (r=0.22, P<0.01) and completion (t=2.63, P<0.01), greater functional status at CR discharge (r=0.17, P=0.03) and 2 years post-intake (r=0.19, P=0.03), greater physical activity at discharge (r=0.18, P=0.02), as well as lower depressive symptoms at discharge (r=−0.16, P=0.02) and 1-year follow-up (r=−0.19, P=0.03). These associations sustained adjustment for sex.
Conclusion
Patients were relatively satisfied with their care. The PACIC is a psychometrically validated scale, which could serve as a useful tool to assess patient satisfaction with CR.
Acknowledgments
The authors acknowledge Terry Fair, BEd, Cynthia Parson, BSc, PT, RPT, and Ann Briggs, BSc, PT, RPT, for facilitating patient recruitment.
Disclosure
The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.