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Updated: Jun 8, 2026

A Novel Digital Platform for a Monitored Home-based Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
Published on: April 19, 2019
Cardiac rehabilitation in the Northwest
1Cardiology Department, AMNCH, Tallaght, Dublin 24, Ireland. horgan_stephen77@hotmail.com
Insights
This audit of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in the Northwest found a 26% smoking quit rate and improved exercise capacity. The CR service is evolving, with plans to enhance referral rates and accessibility for better cardiovascular disease management.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is crucial for cardiovascular disease management.
- Auditing existing CR services identifies areas for improvement.
- The Northwest region's CR service required an updated assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a comprehensive audit of the cardiac rehabilitation (CR) service in the Northwest.
- To evaluate patient demographics, uptake rates, and outcomes.
- To analyze referral systems and program phases (I-IV).
Main Methods:
- Patients were identified using the CR Information System.
- Data collected included indications, uptake rates, demographics, and complications.
- Cardiovascular risk factors and exercise capacity were compared pre- and post-CR.
Main Results:
- 392 patients were offered CR in 2006; 151 completed phase III.
- Mean age was 62.9 years, with 22% females.
- A 26% smoking quit rate was achieved; exercise capacity increased by 2.85 mets.
Conclusions:
- The Northwest CR service is a modern, evolving program.
- Improvements in referral rates, reduced Phase II duration, and increased female participation are recommended.
- Enhanced accessibility will strengthen CR's role in regional cardiovascular disease management.
Aim:
To audit the cardiac rehabilitation (CR) service in the Northwest.
Methods:
Patients were identified on the CR Information System. Indications, rate of uptake, demographics and complications were all recorded. Cardiovascular risk factors and exercise capacity before and after CR were compared. Systems for referral and phases I-IV were analysed.
Results:
Three hundred ninety-two patients were offered CR in 2006. 151 patients completed phase III. One-fifth attended outreach centres. Mean age was 62.9. 22% were female. No serious adverse events occurred during exercise training. A smoking quit rate of 26% was achieved. Mean blood pressures pre and post CR were 141/76 and 131/73 mmHg, respectively. The mean increase in exercise capacity was 2.85 mets.
Conclusions:
CR in the Northwest provides a modern evolving programme. Enhanced referral rate, reduction in the duration of phase II, increased participation by women and improved accessibility will consolidate its contribution to cardiovascular disease management in this region.
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