Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly altered the landscape of healthcare delivery, including the field of cardiac rehabilitation (CR). A recent study titled "Physical Activity Level and Perspectives of Participants Transitioning from Onsite to Virtual Cardiac Rehabilitation during the Early COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed-Method Study" provides valuable insights into how these changes have affected physical activity patterns. This blog will explore the study's findings and discuss how practitioners, especially those working with children, can leverage these insights to enhance their practice.
Key Findings from the Study
The study compared two cohorts: one that transitioned from center-based to virtual CR during the pandemic and another that completed a center-based CR program pre-pandemic. Here are the key findings:
- Exercise Duration: Both cohorts showed an increase in exercise duration, but only the center-based cohort showed significant improvements in exercise frequency and METs/minute.
- Barriers and Facilitators: Focus group sessions revealed six themes influencing participation in virtual CR, categorized as predisposing, enabling, and reinforcing factors.
- Knowledge and Support: Participants highlighted the importance of exercise knowledge and support from CR providers and family as critical facilitators.
Implications for Practitioners
While the study focuses on cardiac rehabilitation, its findings have broader implications for practitioners in various fields, including speech-language pathology. Here are some takeaways:
- Emphasize Knowledge: Educating clients and their families about the importance of therapy and its benefits can enhance engagement and outcomes.
- Leverage Technology: Just as virtual CR maintained exercise levels, virtual therapy can be effective if supported by proper resources and training.
- Enhance Support Systems: Building a strong support network, including family involvement and consistent provider-client relationships, is crucial for successful outcomes.
Encouraging Further Research
This study underscores the need for ongoing research into virtual care models. Practitioners are encouraged to explore how virtual therapy can be optimized for different populations, including children, and to investigate the long-term effects of such interventions.
Conclusion
The transition to virtual models of care, necessitated by the pandemic, offers both challenges and opportunities. By understanding and applying the insights from this study, practitioners can improve their services and outcomes. For those interested in diving deeper into the research, the original study can be accessed here.
