Abstract: Objective To understand the exercise experience of elderly patients with chronic heart failure during the transition period from hospital to family, and to provide the basis for formulating intervention plan during the transition period and establishing family collaborative management mode. Methods The phenomenological method of qualitative research was used to conduct semi-structured interview among 18 elderly patients with chronic heart failure and Nvivo 10 software was used to summarize the theme of the data. Results Five themes were extracted as described as follows: inadequate knowledge of home rehabilitation, lack of family support, discomfort such as shortness of breath and fatigue during the exercise, negative influence from living conditions and disease conditions, and exercise intention affected by mental state and past exercise habits. Conclusion Elderly patients with chronic heart failure in the transition period from hospital to family lack rehabilitation exercise guidance. Management and sports intervention and targeted guidance for rehabilitation sports are critical during the transition period.

Key words: hospital-family transition period, chronic heart failure, exercise experience, qualitative study