Research & Innovation
Publications
Establishing Foundations on Both Sides of the Bridge: Exploring Contextual Barriers to Cardiac Rehabilitation Uptake to Inform Digital Health Technology Design
PMU Authors
Bernhard Reich PhD, Josef Niebauer
All Authors
Isabel Höppchen, Stefan Tino Kulnik, Bernhard Reich PhD, Josef Niebauer, Jan Smeddinck, Alexander Meschtscherjakov, Daniela Wurhofer
Journal association
MuC '24: Proceedings of Mensch und Computer 2024
Abstract
Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is crucial for secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Yet, many patients with a clear indication of CR do not participate in such programs. To build a more nuanced foundation for developing digital health technologies supporting patients' CR uptake, we explored the practiced CR referral process to identify context-specific barriers in Austria. We conducted a contextual inquiry including four observations in both out- and inpatient settings and 13 stakeholder interviews. The results indicate a lack of a defined referral process, limited intersectoral communication, doctors' unawareness and knowledge gaps, and patients missing clear information about CR. Thus, digital health technologies that aim to support patient-centered cardiovascular care pathways should be designed for timely patient information and engagement, automated referral support, and enhanced intersectoral communication.