Developing a novel web-based alternative to conventional cardiac rehabilitation

2012 Conference

Abstract:
The benefits of cardiac rehabilitation are well established and embedded in national and international guidelines. However, national up-take up of cardiac rehabilitation is poor (30%). Reasons for this are complex, but it is thought that the formal programme-based mode of delivery may be a factor.

The cardiac rehabilitation team at Glenfield Hospital UHL secured funding to develop a web-based alternative to conventional rehabilitation programmes. The process has been extensive requiring close working between healthcare professionals, computer and IT specialist services and the service users themselves. The role of PPI has been key to ensure that a user-friendly and accessible web-based programme is ready for launch in summer 2012. Research into the outcomes of this project are ongoing and will continue past launch date to ensure thorough evaluation.

A presentation/poster session would identify the role of PPI and how involvement has progressed throughout the technology based project. PPI members will provide a reflective account of their current and future involvement in launching the project into the wider community, at a national level.

We aim to demonstrate how integrating PPI into an evidence based service development can enhance patient choice and access to cardiac rehabilitation.