Facilitators and Barriers of Exercise Rehabilitation Programs Implementation in Coronary Heart Disease Patients: A Mixed Method Systematic Review.

In 30 seconds

This mixed-method systematic review examined factors influencing implementation of exercise rehabilitation programs for patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). Searches covered databases from inception to June 1, 2024, and 21 studies were included. The review identified 18 facilitators and 16 barriers, organized across five Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research dimensions. Positive attitudes toward exercise were the most prevalent facilitator, while severe clinical conditions were the predominant barrier. Individual characteristics accounted for the largest share of both facilitators and barriers, with 9 and 8, respectively.

Key findings

• Across 21 included studies, reviewers identified 18 facilitators and 16 barriers to implementing exercise rehabilitation for patients with CHD.
• Positive exercise attitude was the most prevalent facilitator; severe clinical conditions were the predominant barrier.
• Individual characteristics comprised the largest proportion, with 9 facilitators and 8 barriers.

Why it matters

Exercise rehabilitation programs may be effective, yet implementation challenges can restrict access and limit outcomes. Mapping barriers and facilitators across individual, organizational, and broader implementation dimensions helps clarify where program design and delivery may need attention. The review highlights patient-level factors in particular, while indicating that implementation requires consideration of multiple levels rather than a single obstacle.

What to keep in mind

The abstract does not report the number of participants or provide quantitative estimates of how strongly individual factors affected implementation.