Feasibility of an emotion regulation intervention for patients in cardiac rehabilitation

Abstract

Cardiac rehabilitation is important to improve physical activity and reduce cardiovascular disease risk factors among people who have experienced a major cardiac event. However, poor emotion regulation can make it difficult to change cardiovascular risk factors. The purpose of this paper was to assess the feasibility of the Regulating Emotions to improve Nutrition Exercise and reduce Stress (RENEwS) intervention, an education program aimed at improving emotion regulation strategies among patients in cardiac rehabilitation. Fourteen cardiac rehabilitation patients (mean age 61 years) enrolled in 5 weekly RENEwS sessions. Qualitative analysis of participants’ comments was used to assess eight elements of feasibility. Fifty-seven percent of participants completed the intervention. Participants thought the intervention was feasible, with strengths in the areas of acceptability, demand, adaptation, integration, and implementation. Other comments regarding practicality, expansion, and perceived efficacy provide guidance for intervention refinement.