Tailored personas for self-management in home-based cardiac rehabilitation for patients with coronary heart disease: A qualitative study

Abstract

Background

Self-management is a key factor determining recovery outcomes in home-based cardiac rehabilitation. However, the impact of individual differences on self-management in patients with coronary heart disease is particularly significant, and standardised approaches often fail to fully meet the needs of this heterogeneous group.

Objective

This study aimed to explore the heterogeneity of self-management among patients with coronary heart disease undergoing home-based cardiac rehabilitation and construct patient personas to address the unique challenges and needs of diverse patient groups.

Methods

A qualitative descriptive study was conducted at a cardiac rehabilitation centre in mainland China from April to July 2024. Purposive sampling was used to select patients with coronary heart disease. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to capture their self-management experiences during home-based cardiac rehabilitation. Content analysis was used to extract factual labels and construct dimensional models. Patient personas were developed by categorising patients based on these dimensions, and their self-management personas were visualised using labelled personas.

Results

A total of 28 eligible patients with coronary heart disease participated in the study. Three key dimensions were identified to construct the personas: descriptions, characteristics, and needs. Five distinct personas were developed based on individual attributes, highlighting the varying self-management behaviours and needs of patients with coronary heart disease. The personas were categorised as follows: patients who actively seek cooperation in health management, patients with limited knowledge and poor management behaviour, patients with management deficiencies under high work demands, patients with prominent symptoms but strong awareness, and patients with impaired motivation for self-management.

Conclusion

Precise interventions based on patient personas are essential for enhancing self-management behaviours during home-based cardiac rehabilitation among patients with coronary heart disease. This study developed five patient personas for self-management in home-based cardiac rehabilitation, providing a basis for precise interventions to address the heterogeneous needs of this patient group.