Development of standardised programme content for phase II cardiac rehabilitation programmes in Australia using a...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programmes are crucial for post-cardiac event recovery.
• Standardisation of phase II CR content in Australia is lacking.
• Evidence-based guidelines are needed to optimise patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop standardised programme content for Australian phase II cardiac rehabilitation (CR).
• To create an evidence-based and consensus-driven framework for CR delivery.

Main Methods:

• Utilised the RAND/UCLA appropriateness method (RAM).
• Included a comprehensive literature review and a two-round modified Delphi process with a multidisciplinary expert advisory group (n=16).
• Statements were rated on necessity (1-9 scale) and categorised as 'essential' (median ≥8) or 'desirable' (median ≥6).

Main Results:

• Developed 49 best practice statements across ten areas of care within four module domains.
• Finalised 47 statements after validation: 29 'essential' and 18 'desirable'.
• Two statements were omitted based on the defined criteria.

Conclusions:

• Successfully developed the first evidence-based, consensus-led standardised programme content for Australian phase II CR.
• The finalised content provides a valuable resource for CR coordinators.
• This initiative aims to enhance the quality and consistency of cardiac rehabilitation services nationwide.