Reducing dropout rates in cardiac rehabilitation among cardiac patients in a vulnerable situation: systematic development and feasibility testing of the Heart Priority Programme.

Background: Despite advancements in reducing cardiovascular disease, it remains a major health concern. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) has a positive impact on morbidity, mortality, and functioning, but faces high dropout rates especially among vulnerable patients, due to social inequalities and insufficiently tailored interventions. To address this, we developed the Heart Priority Programme targeting and supporting cardiac patients at risk of dropout.