Exploring the experience of community hospital-led home-based cardiac rehabilitation health management in patients with coronary heart disease: a qualitative focus group study

Objective: To explore experiences and perspectives on community hospital-led home-based cardiac rehabilitation for coronary heart disease patients. Methods: Semi-structured, face-to-face focus group interviews were conducted at a community hospital in Baoding, China, from December 2024 to October 2025. The interview guide was developed on the study objectives and rigorous internal deliberations within the research team. Data analysis was performed using Colaizzi's 7-step method. Results: Three focus group interviews were conducted involving 15 coronary heart disease patients. Data analysis resulted in the identification of five themes and 15 subthemes. The five themes are presented as follows: motivations for engaging in cardiac rehabilitation and cognitive shifts; positive experiences and perceived benefits of cardiac rehabilitation; challenges in self-managing during home-based cardiac rehabilitation; expectations and suggestions for cardiac rehabilitation services; and meaning-making in disease management and life course. Conclusion: Cardiac rehabilitation experiences for coronary heart disease patients are a dynamic process involving physiological, psychological, and behavioral adaptations, which present multidimensional challenges. Developing a patient-centered, community-based support system requires integrating several key elements: culturally congruent strategies, multidisciplinary collaboration, personalized protocols, continuous monitoring, and robust psychosocial support. This holistic approach empowers patients to transition from a passive state of illness to active health stewardship, thereby achieving sustainable long-term outcomes.