Patients' experiences of a digital group education targeting kinesiophobia after myocardial infarction or atrial fibrillation - a qualitative pilot study

Background Fear of movement (kinesiophobia) is common among patients after a myocardial infarction or atrial fibrillation. The kinesiophobia is developed due to the patients’ beliefs that physical activity may cause re-injury. This negatively affects their ability to perform physical activity which is stated as the first line treatment in present guidelines. Purpose To explore how patients with myocardial infarction and/or atrial fibrillation experience participation in a digital group education targeting kinesiophobia and physical activity. Methods Seven women (55-81 years) with myocardial infarction and/or atrial fibrillation that had occurred at least 6 months earlier, and kinesiophobia, i.e., score of ≥ 37 on the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia Swedish Version for the Heart, were included. They took part in a digital program that was based on problem-based learning and cognitive behavioural therapy and delivered via a video conferencing platform over 8 weeks and supervised by a nurse or physiotherapist. The program covered topics such as myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, kinesiophobia, physical activity, and exposure. A digital platform with two-factor authentication for login was developed to provide educational materials, including tutorial group scenarios, streamed lectures, factual texts, and homework assignments. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with the women via a video conferencing platform after the 8-week program and transcripts were analysed using conventional qualitative content analysis. Preliminary results The women felt empowered after the digital encounters and joyful discussions with the group members. The educational materials and their own search for information, which was discussed in the group made them feel enlightened. The kinesiophobia was relieved or gone according to their experiences. This promoted the women to be physically active based on their own preferences. Initially, experiences of stress due to technical problems were felt. The tutor was attentive and enabling in guiding the women during the meetings on the video conferencing platform. Conclusions A digital group education targeting kinesiophobia after myocardial infarction and/or atrial fibrillation was experienced as feasible, enlightening, and empowering in a small group of women. The kinesiophobia was relieved or gone. This promoted them to perform physical activity as they preferred, and which is important for their recovery. More and larger studies are needed to show if a digital group educational program via a video conferencing platform can reduce kinesiophobia and promote physical activity after myocardial infarction or atrial fibrillation.