Barriers and Facilitators to Psychosocial Management in Cardiac Rehabilitation at the South Francilien Hospital Center (CHSF) (PSYRCV)

Cardiac rehabilitation is recommended for patients with acute or chronic cardiovascular disease in accordance with national and international guidelines.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines cardiac rehabilitation as "the sum of activity and interventions required to ensure the best possible physical, mental, and social conditions so that patients with chronic or post-acute cardiovascular disease may, by their own efforts, preserve or resume their proper place in society and lead an active life".

In France, the clinical practice guidelines issued by the French National Authority for Health (HAS) and the French Society of Cardiology emphasize the need for a multidisciplinary approach to cardiac rehabilitation, integrating psychosocial support and preparation for return to work, in addition to exercise training, cardiovascular risk factor management, optimization of pharmacological treatment, screening for comorbidities, therapeutic and dietary education.

According to experts, improving patients' working conditions and preparing their return to work before actual work resumption constitute major components of psychosocial care.

Such interventions can be facilitated through occupational health services, including workplace assessments and adjustments to job tasks or working hours.

Although psychosocial care is recognized as an essential component of both cardiac rehabilitation and successful return to work, its implementation within rehabilitation programs remains insufficient in practice.