STARTS SOON
Cardiac rehabilitation programs reduce hospital readmissions and improve quality of life after a heart attack or heart surgery, with reductions in morbidity and mortality often observed.
Cardiac rehabilitation is typically delivered face to face over six to 12 weeks after a heart attack or heart surgery where a patient interacts with health professionals in a centre-based program. Unfortunately, despite the benefits of cardiac rehabilitation, many Victorians do not attend.
The most frequently observed barrier to cardiac rehabilitation attendance is proximity, with long distances to an appropriate rehabilitation service complicating participation and resulting in attendance rates as low as 10 to 30 per cent of eligible patients in regional areas.
We will partner with five regional health services to pilot a digital platform to improve access and uptake of cardiac rehabilitation for regional Victorians at home.
This project is part of the Care closer to home package, along with:
- Rapid access atrial fibrillation clinics
- Digital ECG and chest pain pathway urgent care centres
- Stroke support centres
Outcome
Improving completion rates of cardiac rehabilitation by improving access through the offering of a digital platform.