Krisko-Hagel, Kathryn Ann2010-02-242010-02-242009-12https://hdl.handle.net/11299/58442University of Minnesota Ph.D. dissertation. December 2009. Major: Nursing. Advisor: Ruth A. Lindquist. 1 computer file (PDF); ix, 117 pages, appendices A-L.OBJECTIVE: Feasibility study, to explore whether stage of readiness, level of selfefficacy, or perceived benefits/barriers to begin a cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program post cardiac event are associated with the length of time individuals will participate in a Phase II CR program. BACKGROUND: “Stages of Behavior Change” from the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) of Health Behavior. Self-efficacy is one of the constructs of the TTM. Perceived benefits and barriers apply to an individual’s belief system regarding a needed course of action. AIMS: To generate an effect size for: (1) possible association between stage of readiness; (2) level of self-efficacy; and (3) perceived benefits or barriers related to CR post cardiac event and their possible association with meeting CR goals and/or length of time in the program. DESIGN AND METHOD: Prospective correlational design using a convenience sample of men and women having experienced a cardiac event who have received a physician’s order to attend a Phase II CR program. PROCEDURE: The sample was taken from one CR center located in one tertiary care center. Data were collected over a two-month period of time. FINDINGS: A significant association was found between the level of self-efficacy to begin CR and the percentage of CR goals met and a moderate association noted between the level of self-efficacy to begin CR and length of time in the program. CONCLUSIONS: The higher the self-efficacy, the more likely individuals were to remain in CR. Other variables discovered to be of interest were perceived health before the cardiac event, perceived health "now," and perceived health in six months time. IMPLICATIONS: Accurate nursing assessments could help change adverse outcomes by identifying those at risk of not completing CR. Interventions by the nurse through encouragement (to help raise level of self-efficacy of the individual and through family teaching) could help improve completion outcomes.en-USCardiacPilotRehabilitationTranstheoreticalNursingThesis or Dissertation