Mapping rehabilitation pathways after cardiac surgery: Identifying key points for patient involvement and gaps in care

This study provides a comprehensive overview of current rehabilitation pathways following cardiac surgery, revealing significant variability and challenges. Our findings emphasise the need for a person-centred redesign of the cardiac rehabilitation pathway with improved sector transitions. Our findings provide guidance for clinicians and underscore the importance of clear legal frameworks, consistent guidelines, and co-design of cardiac rehabilitation programmes with patients. Strengthening these areas could promote greater patient engagement, reduce variability in service delivery, and ultimately lead to better patient outcomes and experiences.