Hospital-based Rehabilitation Research Articles

Circuit class therapy for improving mobility after stroke: A systematic review.

To examine the effectiveness of group circuit class therapy for improving the mobility of adults after stroke. Cochrane systematic review. A comprehensive search strategy was used to find randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials of adults post-stroke receiving circuit class therapy. Two authors independently selected trials for inclusion, assessed the methodological rigor and extracted data. Six trials were included, involving 292 participants; most were community-dwelling survivors who were able to walk independently. Circuit class therapy was effective in improving walking ability (6-minute walk test mean difference, 76.6 m, 95% confidence interval 38.4-114.7, walking speed mean difference 0.12 m/s, 95% confidence interval 0-0.24) and balance (step test mean difference 3.0 steps, 95% confidence interval 0.08-5.9, activities specific balance confidence mean difference 7.76 points, 95% confidence interval 0.66-14.9). Other balance measures did not show a difference in effect. Results from two studies suggest that circuit class therapy can reduce length of hospital stay (mean difference -19.7 days, 95% confidence interval -35.4 to -4.0). Two studies measured adverse events (falls); all were minor. Circuit class therapy is safe and effective in improving mobility in people after stroke and, when provided as part of hospital-based rehabilitation, may reduce length of stay.

The effect of Assertive Community Treatment in Japan

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) program in a Japanese mental health service setting. This study was a randomized controlled trial. ACT was the intervention condition (n = 59), and the usual hospital-based rehabilitation program was the control condition (n = 59). Outcome indicators include in-patient days, psychiatric symptoms, social functioning, quality of life, and client satisfaction. The follow-up period was 12 months after the intervention. We found a significant reduction of in-patient days for the ACT group demonstrated by t-test (t = 2.33, P = 0.02). However, the results of ancova did not show significant differences for in-patient days between the two groups (F = 1.85, P = 0.18). The depression score for Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale for the ACT group was significantly lower than the control group at the 12-month follow-up assessment (F = 5.57, P = 0.03). According to the t-test, the ACT group had a higher client satisfaction than the control group (t = 2.08, P = 0.05). We concluded that ACT had a positive influence, as evidenced by a reduction of in-patient days, lower depressive symptoms, and higher client satisfaction.

Fatigue after traumatic brain injury: Association with neuroendocrine, sleep, depression and other factors

Objective: Define associations between post-traumatic brain injury (TBI) fatigue and abnormalities in neuroendocrine axes, sleep, mood, cognition and physical functioning.Design: Survey.Setting: Large community hospital-based rehabilitation centre.Participants: Convenience sample of 119 individuals at least 1 year post-TBI.Outcome measures: Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue (MAF); Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS); neuroendocrine assessments–growth hormone (GH) reserve, thyroid, cortisol and testosterone levels; visual analogue pain rating; Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index; Beck Depression Inventory–II; Disability Rating Scale; Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique; Neurobehavioural Functioning Inventory.Results: Fifty-three per cent reported fatigue on the MAF and one-third on the FSS; 65% were found to have moderate/severe GH deficiency; 64% had adrenal insufficiency (low fasting cortisol); 12% had central hypothyroidism; and 15% of men had testosterone deficiency. Pituitary dysfunction did not correlate with fatigue or other symptoms. Predictors of MAF total scores were female gender, depression, pain and self-assessed memory deficits. Predictors of FSS scores were depression, self-assessed motor deficits and anti-depressant usage.Conclusions: Robust correlates of fatigue were gender, depression, pain and memory and motor dysfunction. Investigation of post-TBI fatigue should include screening for depression, pain and sleep disturbance. There was no correlation between pituitary dysfunction and fatigue; however, the relatively high prevalence of hypothyroidism and adrenal dysfunction suggests screening for these hormone deficiencies.

Is acupuncture an acceptable option in stroke rehabilitation? A survey of stroke patients

Stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality and stroke survivors make up the largest group of patients in rehabilitation. These individuals also have one of the longest lengths of stay in rehabilitation. It has been suggested that acupuncture may be beneficial in post-stroke rehabilitation and in this study we examine how stroke patients value acupuncture and their perceptions of acupuncture as a rehabilitation treatment option. A questionnaire was distributed to individuals undergoing post-stroke rehabilitation at three rehabilitation centers attached to hospitals in Toronto, Canada. Two hundred and seventy-three individuals completed the questionnaire with the respondent group comprising mainly males (62%) over 65 years of age (68%). Overall 29% had used acupuncture with 16% receiving acupuncture treatment for stroke related conditions. Almost all respondents (98%) wanted to know more about acupuncture in stroke rehabilitation and 87% would consider acupuncture as a treatment option. Few (8%) reported that they had advanced level knowledge about acupuncture, with most reporting a basic (48%) or intermediate (33%) level which recognized that acupuncture used fine needles to produce a therapeutic response. Those with prior acupuncture experience expected to pay more for treatment. The main factors influencing decisions to use acupuncture were practitioner competency (84%), cost (65%) and sterilization concerns (40%). This study demonstrates that there is willingness by patients attending conventional hospital-based rehabilitation centers to consider acupuncture in stroke rehabilitation and that lack of knowledge about this treatment is not a barrier to use.

Gender-Specific Predictors of Functional Outcome after Stroke Rehabilitation: Potential Role of the Autonomic Nervous System

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of cardiac autonomic derangement on gender-associated functional outcome of patients with subacute ischemic stroke undergoing a hospital-based rehabilitation program. The study population included 126 consecutive first-ever stroke survivors (mean age 59.7 ± 11.6 years). Time-domain measures of heart rate variability (HRV) by 24-hour Holter monitoring (HM) were considered in all cases. By the end of the rehabilitation program an unfavorable functional outcome with dependency (Barthel Index score of <75) was found in 27 men (40.3%) and in 31 women (52.5%; p = 0.168). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that high age, low Barthel Index score and low Rankin Scale score on admission were independent predictors of an unfavorable functional outcome in both men and women. The standard deviation of normal-to-normal RR intervals on HM was an independent predictor of rehabilitation outcome only in men (OR 15.29, 95% CI 2.47–46.58, p = 0.001). The presence of insular damage on neuroimaging studies was independently associated with an unfavorable functional outcome only in female (OR 18.89, 95% CI 2.34–71.4, p = 0.006). HRV does not predict functional outcome after rehabilitation in women. Instead, insular damage appears to have a role in determining the final results of rehabilitation in women but not in men.

Patients' Perspectives on Cardiac Rehabilitation, Lifestyle Change and Taking Medicines: Implications for Service Development

Cardiac rehabilitation programmes offer eligible coronary heart disease patients information on lifestyle modification and medicines. Our aim was to understand patients' perspectives on these topics. In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted and audiotaped with 15 patients approximately three months after hospital discharge, after they had completed a hospital-based cardiac rehabilitation programme. Repeat interviews with ten patients explored whether their perspectives had changed when interviewed again approximately nine months later. Patients tended to talk about the exercise component of cardiac rehabilitation and only talk about the information provision component when prompted, which suggested they viewed the programme as being primarily about exercise. They seemed to have little subsequent contact with health services, except routine six-monthly check-ups for their coronary heart disease. Unmet information needs were common, especially about medicines. Nevertheless, all patients reported continuing to take cardiac medicines, but tended to only maintain changes to aspects of lifestyle perceived as causes of coronary heart disease, rather than viewing lifestyle recommendations as standards to achieve. Ensuring that individual patients' information needs about medicines and lifestyle are adequately met remains a key focus for cardiac rehabilitation development. Key aspects include individualizing information and actively seeking and responding to patients' needs during and after cardiac rehabilitation.

A meta-analysis of randomized control trials of home-based secondary prevention programs for coronary artery disease

A variety of different types of secondary prevention programs for coronary heart disease (CHD) exist. Home-based programs have become more common and may be more accessible or preferable to some patients. This review compared the benefits and costs of home-based programs with usual care and cardiac rehabilitation. A meta-analysis following a systematic search of 19 databases, existing reviews, and references was designed. Studies evaluated home-based interventions that addressed more than one main CHD risk factor using a randomized trial with a usual care or cardiac rehabilitation comparison group with data extractable for CHD patients only and reported in English as a full article or thesis. Thirty-nine articles reporting 36 trials were reviewed. Compared with usual care, home-based interventions significantly improved quality of life [weighted mean difference: 0.23; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.02-0.45], systolic blood pressure (weighted mean difference: -4.36 mmHg; 95% CI: -6.50 to -2.22), smoking cessation (difference in proportion: 14%; 95% CI: 0.02-0.26), total cholesterol (standardized mean difference: -0.33; 95% CI: -0.57 to -0.08), and depression (standardized mean difference: -0.33; 95% CI: -0.59 to -0.07). Effect sizes were small to moderate and trials were of low-to-moderate quality. Comparisons with cardiac rehabilitation could not be made because of the small number of trials and high levels of heterogeneity. Home-based secondary prevention programs for CHD are an effective and relatively low-cost complement to hospital-based cardiac rehabilitation and should be considered for stable patients less likely to access or adhere to hospital-based services.

Deinstitutionalization revisited: a 5-year follow-up of a randomized clinical trial of hospital-based rehabilitation versus specialized assertive intervention (OPUS) versus standard treatment for patients with first-episode schizophrenia spectrum disorders

The effects of hospital-based rehabilitation including weekly supportive psychodynamic therapy compared with specialized assertive intervention and standard treatment has not previously been investigated in first-episode psychosis. The aim of the study was to examine long-term effect on use of institutional care of different intensive interventions for patients with first-episode schizophrenia spectrum disorder on use of psychiatric bed days and days in supported housing. A total of 94 severely ill patients with first-episode schizophrenia spectrum disorders were included in a special part of the Copenhagen OPUS trial and randomized to either the specialized assertive intervention program (OPUS), standard treatment or hospital-based rehabilitation. It was a stable pattern that patients randomized to hospital-based rehabilitation spent more days in psychiatric wards and in supported housing throughout the 5-year follow-up period compared with the two other groups. Patients in OPUS treatment spent significantly fewer days in psychiatric wards and supported housing in the first 3 years compared with patients in hospital-based rehabilitation. Due to attrition and small sample size, differences in level of psychotic and negative symptoms at 5-year follow-up could not be evaluated. The study indicates that hospital-based rehabilitation together with weekly supportive psychodynamic therapy was associated with a continued increased use of psychiatric bed days and days in supported housing. The data cannot justify using hospital-based rehabilitation in first-episode psychosis.

Home-based cardiac rehab was as effective as hospital-based rehab in improving cardiac risk factors

Is home-based cardiac rehabilitation as effective as hospital-based rehabilitation in low-to-moderate–risk patients with recent myocardial infarction or revascularisation procedure? ### Design: randomised controlled trial. Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN 72884263. ###...

Severe Disease Activity and Complications of Immunosuppressive Therapy: A Challenge for Acute Hospital-based Rehabilitation in Rheumatology

Acute rehabilitation refers to the multidisciplinary rehabilitative treatment of patients in continuing need of integrated acute and rehabilitative longterm care. As a result of the advances in acute rheumatology and improved emergency services, an increasing number of patients survive episodes of severe disease and complications of immunosuppressive therapy. These patients require not only treatment of their acute medical problems but also specialized multidisciplinary acute rehabilitation starting as early as possible during their hospital stay. We describe 4 typical cases from the major fields of rheumatology. (1) Acute rehabilitation of a 63-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis after replacement of both preexisting knee endoprostheses in one session and removal of the left hip endoprosthesis due to infection and sepsis. (2) Rehabilitation of a 29-year-old man with a 7-year history of ankylosing spondylitis who lived in an adjustable easy chair for 2 years due to severe pain prior to admission. (3) A 61-year-old woman with active refractory Wegener's granulomatosis who developed respiratory insufficiency due to aspergillus and pseudomonas pneumonia. (4) The acute rehabilitation of a 21-year-old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus and a history of 14 laparotomies due to severe acute pancreatitis and multiple gut perforations. Acute rehabilitation was complicated by a large defect of the abdominal wall and significant critical illness polyneuropathy. Our report points out differences between acute, postacute, and longterm rehabilitation, describes the mobilization of patients in acute rheumatology units, and defines specific problems encountered in acute hospital-based rehabilitation of rheumatological patients.

Clinical Outcomes for Patients Classified by Fear-Avoidance Beliefs and Centralization Phenomenon

Werneke MW, Hart DL, George SZ, Stratford PW, Matheson JW, Reyes A. Clinical outcomes for patients classified by fear-avoidance beliefs and centralization phenomenon. Objectives To (1) determine the prevalence of pain pattern classification subgroups (centralization, noncentralization, and not classified) observed during the initial evaluation of patients experiencing high versus low Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire for physical activity (FABQ-PA) scores, (2) examine the association between discharge pain intensity and functional status (FS) outcomes based on FABQ-PA and pain pattern subgroups, and (3) compare minimal clinically important improvement for FS and pain intensity for FABQ-PA and pain pattern classification subgroups. Design Observational cohort design. Setting Suburban hospital-based outpatient rehabilitation clinic. Participants Consecutive patients with low back syndromes (N=238, mean ± SD, 59.1±17.0y; minimum=20, maximum=91). Interventions Interventions were designed to match patient classification by fear-avoidance level and pain pattern. Main Outcome Measures Two outcome measures were assessed: patient self-reported FS and pain intensity. FS was assessed by using computerized adaptive testing methods. Maximal pain intensity was assessed by using an 11-point numeric pain scale: 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain). Results There were no differences (χ 2 2=3.7, P=.16) in proportion of patients classified by pain pattern experiencing high or low fear-avoidance beliefs. After controlling for the effect of available risk-adjustment variables, only dual-level classification subgroups, symptom acuity, payer type, and intake FS or pain intensity were associated with discharge FS or pain outcomes. The highest proportion of patients achieving minimal clinically important improvement in pain and FS were reported by the following patient subgroup: centralization and low fear. Conclusions Pain pattern and FABQ-PA characteristics impacted rehabilitation outcomes. We recommend that both factors be considered when managing patients with low back pain in an effort to optimize rehabilitation outcomes.

Noninvasive ventilation in pulmonary rehabilitation of COPD patients

Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) has been shown to improve exercise tolerance and health-related quality of life in patients with advanced COPD. This study tested the feasibility of nocturnal NIPPV as an additional tool in a hospital-based pulmonary rehabilitation program. This prospective observational trial included forty COPD patients in GOLD stage IV. NIPPV was successfully introduced and accepted during sleep by all patients. All patients received pressure support ventilation for 7.9+/-0.5h per day with an inspiratory support of 17.5+/-4.4 cmH(2)O, and an expiratory pressure of 4.5+/-0.9 cmH(2)O. The outcome of pulmonary rehabilitation in patients receiving nocturnal NIPPV was compared with the results of forty matched control patients who underwent the same program. Rehabilitation with nocturnal NIPPV resulted in the 6-minute walk test and in the longest non-stop walk distance in improvements of 82 and 89 m, respectively, while patients without nocturnal ventilatory support improved by 50 and 51 m (p<0.04 and p<0.03 between groups, respectively). Further significant improvements were found for FEV(1), lung hyperinflation, and blood gases in the NIPPV treated, but not in the control subjects. Health-related quality of life, assessed by the SF-36 questionnaire, improved moderately or largely in patients receiving NIPPV in the categories role-physical, vitality, social function, and mental health. Control subjects improved moderately in vitality only. In conclusion, nocturnal NIPPV is feasible and enhances the effects of pulmonary rehabilitation in advanced stage COPD.

Hospital versus community-based phase III cardiac rehabilitation

to compare patient and staff perceptions of phase III cardiac rehabilitation delivered in a hospital versus community setting. data were collected by semi-structured interviews with staff and patients. Patients and staff members were interviewed in one of two local leisure centres and in the cardiac unit at Leeds General Infirmary. Five patients who had previously attended a hospital-based phase III programme, four patients who attended a community-based programme, and four hospital and community staff members participated. Data were analysed using a content analysis technique based on the framework' approach. three patients admitted having negative expectations of the community-based phase III programme. Maintaining attendance is more challenging in the community; however, progression rates to phase IV were better. Differences between programmes were identified in adherence to sessions, type and number of staff present, and number of sessions provided each week. All patients found the sessions helped with their rehabilitation and all stated that they would recommend their programme to others. both community- and hospital-based rehabilitation programmes were seen as successful by both patients and staff. The emergence of the community programme has proven to be a valuable additional service for cardiac patients. However, if the future of phase III cardiac rehabilitation in Leeds is to be community-based, then specific issues such as exercise adherence will need to be addressed.

Hopelessness and Its Effect on Cardiac Rehabilitation Exercise Participation Following Hospitalization for Acute Coronary Syndrome

Hopelessness has been associated with a higher risk of fatal and nonfatal coronary heart disease, yet very few studies have examined hopelessness after a cardiac event. This investigation examined hopelessness as an independent predictor of participation in a hospital-based cardiac rehabilitation exercise program. A total of 207 patients with acute coronary syndrome were interviewed at 3 and 8 months after hospital discharge. Measures included 1 factor of the Beck Hopelessness Scale, the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, the Activity Status Index, the Charlson Comorbidity Index, a sociodemographic variables tool, and a cardiac rehabilitation exercise participation questionnaire. Random-effects logistic regression analysis revealed that hopelessness persisted over time and was an independent predictor of lower exercise participation. In contrast, depression showed no significant influence on exercise participation. Study findings suggest the importance of assessing hopelessness in patients with acute coronary syndrome and identifying approaches to exercise recommendations that directly address hopelessness. Interventions focused on the prevention and treatment of hopelessness symptoms may contribute to improved recovery of patient with acute coronary syndrome.

Effects of Home-Based Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Home-based rehabilitation is a promising approach to improve access to pulmonary rehabilitation. To assess whether self-monitored, home-based rehabilitation is as effective as outpatient, hospital-based rehabilitation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Randomized, multicenter, noninferiority trial. 10 academic and community medical centers in Canada. 252 patients with moderate to severe COPD. After a 4-week education program, patients took part in home-based rehabilitation or outpatient, hospital-based rehabilitation for 8 weeks. They were followed for 40 weeks to complete the 1-year study. The primary outcome was the change in Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire dyspnea subscale score at 1 year. The primary analysis took a modified intention-to-treat approach by using all patients who provided data at the specified follow-up time, regardless of their level of adherence. The analysis used regression modeling that adjusted for the effects of center, sex, and baseline level. All differences were computed as home intervention minus outpatient intervention. Both interventions produced similar improvements in the Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire dyspnea subscale at 1 year: improvement in dyspnea of 0.62 (95% CI, 0.43 to 0.80) units in the home intervention (n = 107) and 0.46 (CI, 0.28 to 0.64) units in the outpatient intervention (n = 109). The difference between the 2 treatments at 1 year was small and clinically unimportant. The 95% CI of the difference did not exceed the prespecified noninferiority margin of 0.5: difference in dyspnea score of 0.16 (CI, -0.08 to 0.40). Most adverse events were related to COPD exacerbations. No serious adverse event was considered to be related to the study intervention. The contribution of the educational program to the improvement in health status and exercise tolerance cannot be ascertained. Home rehabilitation is a useful, equivalent alternative to outpatient rehabilitation in patients with COPD.

Poster 27: A Study of the Benefits of Pulmonary Rehabilitation in 33 Patients With Severe Emphysema

Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the physiologic benefits of a pulmonary rehabilitation program in patients with severe end stage emphysema who were eligible for lung transplantation or lung volume reduction surgery. Design: This was a case control prospective study. Setting: Hospital-based outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation program. Participants: 33 serial patients with severe emphysema who were evaluated for lung reduction surgery or transplantation over 2 years. 15 controls with severe emphysema were matched for age, sex, and body mass index.

Home versus day rehabilitation: a randomised controlled trial.

Objective: to assess the effect of home versus day rehabilitation on patient outcomes.Design: randomised controlled trial.Setting: post-hospital rehabilitation.Participants: two hundred and twenty-nine hospitalised patients referred for ambulatory rehabilitation.Interventions: hospital-based day rehabilitation programme versus home-based rehabilitation programme.Main Outcome Measures: at 3 months, information was collected on hospital readmission, transfer to residential care, functional level, quality of life, carer stress and carer quality of life. At 6 months, place of residence, hospital re-admissions and mortality status were collected.Results: there were significant improvements in the functional outcomes from baseline to 3 months for all participants. At discharge, carers of patients in day hospital reported higher Caregiver Strain Index (CSI) scores in comparison to home rehabilitation carers (4.95 versus 3.56, P = 0.047). Patients in day hospital had double the risk of readmission compared to those in home rehabilitation (RR = 2.1; 95% CI 1.2–3.9). This effect persisted at 6 months.Conclusions: day hospital patients are more likely to be readmitted to hospital possibly due to increased access to admitting medical staff. This small trial favours the home as a better site for post-hospital rehabilitation.

ETHICS BEYOND BORDERS: HOW HEALTH PROFESSIONALS EXPERIENCE ETHICS IN HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE AND DEVELOPMENT WORK

Health professionals are involved in humanitarian assistance and development work in many regions of the world. They participate in primary health care, immunization campaigns, clinic- and hospital-based care, rehabilitation and feeding programs. In the course of this work, clinicians are frequently exposed to complex ethical issues. This paper examines how health workers experience ethics in the course of humanitarian assistance and development work. A qualitative study was conducted to consider this question. Five core themes emerged from the data, including: tension between respecting local customs and imposing values; obstacles to providing adequate care; differing understandings of health and illness; questions of identity for health workers; and issues of trust and distrust. Recommendations are made for organizational strategies that could help aid agencies support and equip their staff as they respond to ethical issues.

Primary Care of the Patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease—Part 3: Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Comprehensive Care for the Patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

This article reviews the rationale for and the benefits from a pulmonary rehabilitation approach to the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Key clinical trials, meta-analyses, and national guidelines or statements on pulmonary rehabilitation were identified. After formal presentations to a panel of pulmonary specialists and primary care physicians, key messages to assist in the implementation of guideline-based care in the primary care setting were developed and integrated into this article, the third in a 4-part mini-symposium. The main points of the roundtable consensus were as follows: (1) Comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation includes patient education, exercise training, psychosocial support, and nutritional intervention; the evaluation for oxygen supplementation is also conveniently done in this setting. (2) These important components of care are often best delivered in an integrated fashion in a hospital-based pulmonary rehabilitation program; when pulmonary rehabilitation is a not feasible option, clinicians can provide elements of this care to individual patients. (3) Pulmonary rehabilitation has erroneously been considered a “last-ditch” intervention for patients with advanced respiratory disease; however, referral should be considered for any patient with chronic respiratory disease who remains symptomatic or has decreased functional status despite otherwise optimal medical therapy. (4) Pulmonary rehabilitation increases exercise capacity, reduces breathlessness, improves health-related quality of life, and decreases health care utilization; this improvement may be of greater magnitude than that achieved with pharmacologic therapy. (5) Pulmonary rehabilitation has no direct effect on usual pulmonary function tests. It works, in part, through reducing nonpulmonary comorbidity. We conclude that patients with COPD—who are commonly managed in primary care settings—may benefit from multiple components of pulmonary rehabilitation.

Exploring the barriers and enablers to attendance at rural cardiac rehabilitation programs

The objectives of this study were to: (i) identify local barriers and enablers to the uptake of hospital-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs, and (ii) identify preferred alternatives for the delivery of CR. A questionnaire administered by local CR coordinators and focus groups facilitated by the research team. Six regional hospitals in south-west Victoria offering hospital-based CR programs. Patients and their carers referred to and eligible for local CR programs; health professionals working within local CR programs. CR attendees and decliners demographics, patient and health professional perceived factors which contribute to enabling hospital-based CR attendance, patient and health professional perceived barriers to CR attendance, and receptiveness and preferences for alternative modes of CR delivery. This study identified distance to travel to hospital-based CR programs the only statistically significant factor in determining uptake of CR. Easy access to transport (63%) and to a lesser extent family support (49%) and work flexibility (43%) were the primary enablers to attendance. Of the 97 study participants, 38% were receptive to alternative CR methods such as programs in outlying communities, evening facility-based programs, home and GP based programs, telephone support and a patient manual/workbook. The results of this study provide valuable information for designing strategies to increase utilisation and improve patient acceptability of existing hospital-based CR programs. It provides a basis for pilot testing alternative modes of CR program delivery for cardiac patients in rural areas unable to access hospital-based CR.