Att träna tillsammans i grupp vid hjärt- och kärlsjukdom
patienternas upplevelser utifrån ICF
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the Western world. For persons who have had a myocardial infarction the following rehabilitation and the group training, which is a part of this, are very important. The cardiac rehabilitation is designed to limit the physiological and psychological effects of cardiovascular disease. Purpose: This study aimed to examine how patients with cardiovascular disease experienced group training in relation to the International Classification of Function, Disability and Health, ICF. Method: A qualitative interview study was performed according to Malterud, inspired by the Grounded Theory method. Seven patients, six men and one woman, were interviewed. Five had suffered a myocardial infarction, one had done a coronary-bypass surgery and the other one a coronary angioplasty. They all took part of a cardiac rehabilitation group. Result: The analyses resulted in the core category Safety which was derived from the categories labelled Feeling of solidarity and Comprehension of the importance of training. The informants experienced through the group training a great feeling of safety thanks to its opportunity to increase their physical ability and thanks to the safe environment. They also had the chance to meet and talk to others who also suffered from cardiovascular disease. According to the information given by the informants the psychological aspect of the group training was as important as the physiological. The study indicates that it is possible to use ICF to find out a patients total experience of group training. Conclusion: Patients with cardiovascular disease who train together in a group feel safe. The safety can be related to the components of ICF.