Effects of a Cardiac Rehabilitation Program on Perceived Self-Efficacy and Physical Fitness among Thais with Coronary Artery Bypass Graft: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

Cardiac rehabilitation is vital for people following cardiac surgery. Despite the proven benefits of cardiac rehabilitation, there is limited research integrating self-efficacy theory into cardiac rehabilitation programs. This quasi-experimental study aimed to evaluate the effects of such a program on perceived self-efficacy and physical fitness among Thais post-coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The sample comprised 40 participants. Firstly, the experiment group (n = 20) was recruited according to the criteria and participated in a clinical phase of the program. Then, the control group (n = 20,) who received only usual care, were recruited and followed up till the day of discharge, the same as the experimental group. Instruments for data collection were the Perceived Self-Efficacy Questionnaire; physical fitness was measured via the Six-minute Walk Test and maximal oxygen consumption. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square, and independent t-test. The results showed that on the day of hospital discharge, the participants in the experimental group had perceived self-efficacy and physical fitness (the six-minute walk distance and the maximum oxygen consumption rate) significantly higher than the control group. These findings indicate that the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program effectively enhances perceived self-efficacy and physical fitness among Thais with post-coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Nurses can use this program in clinical practice among people with post-coronary artery bypass graft surgery. However, further testing with multi-settings, long-term follow-up, and the use of eHealth is required before it can be widely used.