CArdiac Brief INtervention: A Feasibility Study to Promote Engagement With Cardiac Rehabilitation

Background: An ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a specific type of heart attack. In a previous study, patients requested more mental and emotional support after a STEMI. To provide this support, the research team worked with hospital staff and patients to create a brief intervention called CABIN (CArdiac Brief INtervention), which involves a short discussion between a patient and a nurse, along with a leaflet that summarises the information discussed. Aim: To test if the plan for giving CABIN to patients after a STEMI is suitable, and to explore what impact the intervention may have on mental and emotional well-being, along with knowledge about their condition. Methods: Forty patients who had a STEMI will be recruited from two hospital centres in Northern Ireland (Royal Victoria Hospital and Ulster Hospital). Participants will be randomly put in a group who receive the full CABIN intervention or a group who receive a shortened version of CABIN. Both groups will receive their respective interventions before leaving the hospital, which will take about twenty minutes. Participants will be asked to complete brief questionnaires before the intervention, after the intervention, 3-4 weeks from diagnosis, and 14 weeks from diagnosis. At the end of the study, patients who took part and staff from the hospitals will be asked to complete an exit interview (patients) or a focus group (staff), which will provide information about their experience of the study / intervention and changes required. Outcome of Study: If the study is suitable for patients and appropriate for staff to deliver, the research team will examine the effectiveness of CABIN in a larger study, which may lead to the intervention being used in clinical practice to improve cardiac rehabilitation uptake and outcomes for patients after a STEMI.