Exploring patient experiences of relaxation therapy - version 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring patient experiences of relaxation therapy delivered within a Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme: a qualitative research study
IRAS ID
326401
Contact name
Donna Urquhart
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, 31 days
Research summary
The aim of this study is to understand the experiences of patients with a diagnosis of coronary artery disease who attend a supervised relaxation course provided within a Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme. Anxiety is common following a cardiac event and research shows that supervised relaxation practice provides benefits for recovery. Most of the research is quantitative focusing on the physiological benefits of relaxation therapy. This study aims to explore the patient experience of anxiety following a cardiac event and how they feel that learning and practising relaxation techniques affects their levels of anxiety. Understanding the lived experiences of patients provides health care providers with knowledge enabling them to develop services and practice which meets patient needs. The Relaxation course is delivered by the NHS Cardiac Rehabilitation Service, this service is delivered on five Greater Glasgow and Clyde sites, the patients will be recruited from the cardiac rehabilitation sites that provide the Relaxation course. The participants will be invited to attend the Cardiac Rehabilitation department to undertake a recorded interview either face to face with the researcher lasting approximately one hour. The study will last 30 weeks which is the duration of the academic term.
Lay summary of study results: This study was carried out as part of MSc Nursing Advanced Professional Practice. Participants were enrolled from a Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme, inclusion criteria included diagnosis of coronary heart disease and completion of a four week Relaxation Course. The study took place over four months from June-September 2023.
The study aim was to provide understanding to the experiences of patients with a diagnosis of CHD who attend supervised relaxation sessions within cardiac rehabilitation and how practising relaxation techniques affects levels of anxiety post cardiac event. Gaining an understanding of patient experiences can provide valuable knowledge and inform future service delivery.
The study data was collected by carrying out semi-structured interviews, these were recorded and then transcribed word for word. Data was anonymised at this stage. Using thematic analysis the data was coded and analysed for themes in order to provide meaning to the participant experience.
Three main themes were identified - loss of identity and role, depression and coronary heart disease, coping strategies and resilience. In addition, all participants reported a benefit from group support and practicing the relaxation techniques.
The study results have provided the researcher with an understanding of patient experience which can help towards service provision. The limitations of the study are acknowledged, which include small number and all male participants.REC name
London - City & East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/PR/0577
Date of REC Opinion
16 Jun 2023
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion