Recommendations on how to provide cardiac rehabilitation services during the COVID-19 pandemic

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Public Health
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacts acute and chronic cardiac care delivery.
• Public health measures and healthcare reorganizations have made traditional, center-based cardiac rehabilitation challenging.
• Lifestyle behaviors and general well-being may be negatively affected by pandemic-related restrictions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide practical recommendations for delivering cardiac rehabilitation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To adapt existing cardiac rehabilitation guidelines for remote delivery.
• To incorporate new insights and experiences into cardiac rehabilitation strategies.

Main Methods:

• Formulation of practical recommendations by the Working Group of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation of the Dutch Society of Cardiology.
• Focus on telerehabilitation programs to enable remote patient care.
• Supplementing current guidelines with novel insights and practical experiences gained during the pandemic.

Main Results:

• Development of a framework for providing cardiac rehabilitation without face-to-face contact.
• Emphasis on utilizing telerehabilitation to overcome pandemic-related barriers.
• Guidance for maintaining essential cardiac care and supporting patient well-being.

Conclusions:

• Telerehabilitation offers a viable solution for continuing cardiac rehabilitation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Adaptable guidelines are crucial for ensuring the continuity of cardiovascular care.
• Proactive recommendations are necessary to address the challenges posed by public health crises on patient care.