Eight steps to inpatient cardiac rehabilitation: the team effort-methodology and preliminary results.

Abstract

The effects of a team approach in cardiac rehabilitation were investigated in 89 postmyocardial infarction patients. Team members followed an eight-step protocol in caring for the patients during the hospitalization phase. Risk factor modification data were collected at a mean time of 13.5 months after hospitalization. The investigated parameters included work, dietary and exercise habits, body weight, high blood pressure and cigarette smoking. Fifty-six per cent (42 of 75) of the survival group were actively working, 66 per cent (49 of 75) were adhering to a fat-controlled diet, 77 per cent (58 of 75) continued an exercise regime, 70 per cent (40 of 57) lost excess body weight, 91 per cent (21 of 23) had their blood pressure controlled and 60 per cent (27 of 45) stopped smoking cigarettes. It is concluded that an in-hospital team approach in rehabilitation of postmyocardial infarction patients is beneficial in long-term risk factor modification.