[Secondary prevention in heart groups from the viewpoint of the established physician. An empirical study]

Internists and general practitioners of a district were sent questionnaires bearing 14 questions relative to cardiac group therapy. The aim was to establish how well-known outpatient cardiac group therapy is, and also its value within the spectrum of therapeutic possibilities available. This form of therapy was considered useful by 85% of the doctors, although 57% (40% of the internists and 67% of the general practitioners) considered themselves to be insufficiently informed. Doctors with patients participating in such group programs were better informed. There were considerable differences with respect to the frequency of follow-up ergometric studies. To meet the considerable requirement for information, in particular among the general practitioners, special continuing educational courses should be provided.