The outcomes of cardiac rehabilitation in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest - a narrative review.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survivors often face physical, cognitive, and psychosocial challenges that reduce health-related quality of life. While cardiac rehabilitation programs aim to aid recovery, their effectiveness in improving health-related quality of life for Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survivors remains uncertain. AIM: This narrative review evaluates the impact of cardiac rehabilitation and tailored rehabilitation programs on the health-related quality of life of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survivors during their first year of recovery. METHODS: A literature review on cardiac rehabilitation was conducted using four databases (MEDLINE Complete, CINAHL, Scopus, and Embase). The review focused on studies published between 2014 and 2024. The inclusion criteria specified out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survivors aged eighteen years and older who were engaged in rehabilitation post-hospital discharge. A narrative review was conducted, adhering to the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines. The database searches initially identified 365 articles, which were reduced to 347 after removing duplicates and non-English articles. Subsequent screening of titles and abstracts excluded 333 studies, leaving 57 full-text articles for further consideration. Ultimately, 14 studies were included. RESULTS: Traditional cardiac rehabilitation programs showed limited improvement in health-related quality of life, particularly in addressing cognitive and emotional needs. Tailored interventions, incorporating cognitive and emotional cardiac rehabilitation programs, multidisciplinary teams, and peer support, demonstrated better health-related quality of life outcomes, though physical health differences were minimal. Challenges in societal reintegration and return to work remained unaddressed by both approaches. CONCLUSION: Person-centred, evidence-based rehabilitation programs addressing cognitive, emotional, and societal challenges are essential for improving the health-related quality of life of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survivors. Further research is needed to establish robust guidelines and optimise outcomes for this vulnerable population.