Impact of program duration and contact frequency on efficacy and cost of cardiac rehabilitation: Results of a randomized trial

Impact of program duration and contact frequency on efficacy and cost of cardiac rehabilitation: Results of a randomized trial Original Research Article Pages 862-868 Robert D. Reid, William A. Dafoe, Louise Morrin, Alain Mayhew, Sophia Papadakis, Louise Beaton, Neil B. Oldridge, Douglas Coyle, George A. Wells Close Close preview | Purchase PDF (123 K) | Related articles | Related reference work articles AbstractAbstract | Figures/TablesFigures/Tables | ReferencesReferences Background Secondary prevention through cardiac rehabilitation (CR) has been recommended for most patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Although generally reimbursed for 3 months, to date, optimal CR program duration and frequency of patient contact has yet to be identified. This study compared standard (33 sessions for 3 months) versus distributed (33 sessions for 12 months) CR for effects on exercise variables, risk factors, health-related quality of life (HRQL), depressive symptoms, and direct costs to the cardiac health care system. Methods We randomly assigned 392 patients to either standard CR (n = 196) or distributed CR (n = 196). Outcomes were cardiorespiratory fitness, daily physical activity, coronary risk factors, generic and heart disease HRQL, and depressive symptoms, measured 12 and 24 months after program intake. Secondary outcomes included these variables measured after 3 months. Costs to the cardiac health care system were determined 2 years after program initiation. Results Both groups showed improvements over time in cardiorespiratory fitness, daily physical activity, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, generic and heart disease HRQL, and depressive symptoms. Over time, blood pressure and body mass index values worsened. Smoking status, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride levels remained unchanged. There were no clinically meaningful or statistically significant between group differences for outcomes at 12 or 24 months. The costs of the programs to the cardiac health care system were not different. Conclusions From a clinical standpoint, this study indicates that both standard and distributed program formats serve patients with CAD equally well over the longer term. Programs could use either program delivery model (standard or distributed) depending on patient or program needs. Costs to the cardiac health care system are similar. Article Outline Methods Results Participant flow and follow-up Baseline characteristics Outcomes at 12 and 24 months Distribution of benefit by MIDs in outcomes Use of cardiovascular risk-reduction medications Clinical cardiac events Costs Discussion Acknowledgements References