Cardiac journey research findings

Sharing the findings and recommendations from research on the socio-cultural influences on exercise and health along the cardiac patient journey

Research conducted between 2018 and 2021 as part of a PhD study through the University of Lincoln, UK, and University of Copenhagen, Denmark, highlighted how supporting people along their health and illness journey really is All About People.

Whilst cardiac events happen to large numbers of people every year, the impact of ill health and how this may guide and shape how people access health and care is likely relevant to many other serious health conditions too.

As well as publishing work in academic journals and books, Dr Jo Blackwell from the University of Lincoln has shared the recommendations for practice stemming from her PhD through a webinar that attracted interest from health professionals and academics from across the country. A briefing leaflet has also been shared to support the recommendations.

Jo caught up with Matt Evans, Senior Change Manager for the It's All About People Personalisation Programme team, to record a short podcast about her work.

Listen to It's All About People Podcast Episode 2: Cardiac Rehab with Dr Jo Blackwell

Jo highlights the complexity of the influences on people in their decision making around adopting heart-healthy behaviours. Personal motivation to act is often not enough on its own. Our decisions may be influenced, sometimes subconsciously, by our identity, resources, surroundings, as well as the people around us – those closest to us, health professionals, and other people we encounter in our lives.

Top takeaways for those supporting people on their cardiac journey:

1. 1. Get to know people and agree plans together. Ask about their background and current circumstances, what and who matters to them, how do they like or don't like to approach things. Record this in notes and, with consent, share with other professionals involved in their care. And remember to update the information regularly.
2. 2. Build in personalised flexibility to any plans.
3. 3. Fit what you offer to the person - don't try to fit the person to what you offer.