Peer coaching in cardiac surgery: a pilot study on rehabilitation participation and perioperative challenges

Following cardiac surgery, active participation in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is associated with reduced cardiovascular events and improved survival. However, CR attendance remains persistently low, with only approximately 25% of patients participating. The Peer Coaching for Cardiac Patients (PCCP) pilot program aimed to assess whether peer coaching could enhance CR participation and reduce perioperative anxiety and depression in cardiac surgery patients. Ten patients scheduled for elective cardiac surgery were enrolled, receiving four 60-minute coaching sessions via Zoom, by a coach who had undergone coronary artery bypass grafting in the past. Outcomes were measured by CR participation rates, Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9 scores, and a post-program survey. Seven of the ten patients completed the PCCP program, all of which attended CR for an average of 19.3 ± 8.70 sessions and 9.57 ± 3.0 weeks. No statistically significant difference in PHQ-9 scores was observed (p = 0.341). Participants rated the program highly in its role in anxiety reduction (9.0 ± 1.2) and likelihood of participating in CR (9.43 ± 1.05). These results suggests that peer coaching shows potential to support CR participation and address perioperative anxiety and depression. Future studies with larger sample sizes, well-defined control groups, and extended follow-up are warranted to validate these preliminary findings.