CLIENT PERCEPTIONS OF A RURAL-BASED CARDIAC REHABILITATION PROGRAM: A GROUNDED THEORY APPROACH

ABSTRACT: A grounded theory approach was used in an attempt to generate theory about client perceptions and experiences of a cardiac rehabilitation program conducted in a rural community. A series of interviews was conducted with a selection of people who had experienced a life-threatening cardiac event. The cohort was divided into two groups: those who attended a cardiac rehabilitation program and those who did not. The findings, though not generalisable, allowed the generation of a number of theories (which may come to be the genesis of future research) regarding the differences in the physiological, psychological, sociological and vocational well-being between the groups. The findings also suggested that location of the program, the times it was conducted, and the communication skills of significant healthcare workers who recruited participants were important factors affecting attendance.