CARDIAC REHABILITATION IN SCOTLAND - IS CURRENT PROVISION SATISFACTORY

Background Cardiac rehabilitation is an effective intervention, loweri ng mortality following myocardial infarction and reducing morbidity in patients with coronary heart disease. However, its level of provision was unclear. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive description in Scotland. Methods A national survey of hospital, general practice a nd community sources was conducted in 1994 to identify cardiac rehabil itation programmes in Scotland. Detailed information about each progra mme was collected by computer-assisted telephone interviews. Results S ixty-nine programmes were identified, providing out-patient cardiac re habilitation to 4980 patients and in-patient cardiac rehabilitation to 8920 patients. This represented 17 per cent and 30 per cent of patien ts admitted to hospital with coronary heart disease (excluding heart f ailure), respectively. There was considerable geographical variation i n provision and dependence on sources outside the health service for m uch funding. Conclusions Despite evidence of benefits from randomized trials, the overall provision of cardiac rehabilitation in Scotland wa s low. Considerable inequity was demonstrated between different health board areas. There is opportunity for better provision, which would i mprove care for many patients with coronary heart disease.