24 The STRENGTH study: self-management and theory-based rehabilitation encouraging new gateways to healthy-hearts – a qualitative study

<h3>Background</h3> Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Guidelines recommend that all CHD patients should be offered cardiac rehabilitation (CR) which includes exercise programmes, education, and ongoing support within both clinical and community settings. CR programmes reduce the risk of death and illness, but it is likely that patients will stop exercising without enough support, therefore, it is essential to find ways to encourage CHD patients to stay active both during and after taking part in CR programmes. <h3>Aim</h3> The aim of this project was to translate behaviour change research into current maintenance stage (Phase IV) CR services. The hypothesis is that by adding a lifestyle change programme promoting self-efficacy, physical activity (PA) changes will be maintained following a CR programme. <h3>Methods</h3> A randomised controlled trial is currently being conducted to test the implementation and effect of the addition of a self-management behaviour change programme to the current maintenance stage CR programme. The study uses a stepped-wedge cluster design. Embedded qualitative methodologies were employed in the STRENGTH study to provide insight into the contextual influences in maintenance and perceived effects of the intervention, applying the framework method of analysis. <h3>Results</h3> A total of 96 participants were recruited to the RCT, with 43 in the control group and 53 in the intervention group. Seven control participants were individually interviewed, with 17 intervention participants interviewed via individual interviews and focus groups. Data collection for this phase has been completed (26 June 2024) and analysis is ongoing. Results are pending and will be available for presentation at the BACPR conference. <h3>Conclusion</h3> The study will evaluate and inform the use of behavioural change techniques in CR programmes. The results have the potential to benefit many patients with CHD throughout Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK.