[Experiences with ambulatory cardiologic rehabilitation]

Since the founding of the Düsseldorf Outpatient Cardiologic Rehabilitation Center (Berliner Allee) in 1990 approximately 500 outpatient rehabilitation measures were performed, predominantly as follow-up treatment. The Center is currently participating in 2 pilot programs in outpatient cardiologic rehabilitation initiated by pension scheme providers and health insurance companies. A holistic approach to the concept of therapy is fundamental to an intensive rehabilitation of the heart patients. In conjunction with physiotherapeutic exercise, a health education program and extensive psychological care form the basis of the broader therapy program. An on-going implementation of measures designed to assure the maintenance of structural and procedural quality is fundamental to the creation of a positive subjective experience on the part of the person undergoing rehabilitation as well as the attainment of the individual's specified rehabilitation goals.