Cardiac Rehab Can Prevent Rehospitalization

Research presented at the 2011 Canadian Cardiovascular Congress in Vancouver shows that cardiac rehabilitation boosts longevity, especially in patients with the lowest fitness levels.

Researchers at the Cardiac Wellness Institute of Calgary conducted a study of 2,867 people with coronary artery disease who participated in a cardiac rehab program between 1996 and 2010. After being tested for their fitness levels on a treadmill, participants were categorized into three groups: low fitness, moderate fitness or high fitness based on standardized scores. They then attended 12 weeks of rehabilitation, during which they took their prescribed medication and did regular aerobic, strength and stretching exercises.

Results showed the better a person's level of fitness, the lower the risk of death over the 15 years of the study.

All things rehab are becoming the norm for services provided in long-term care.

Long-term Living recently profiled the cardiac rehabilitation program of ManorCare Health Services - Rocky River, Cleveland facility.

Here are some of their protocols.

• If a patient sees a two-pound weight gain in one day, or a five-pound weight gain in one week, his or her physician is notified.
• If the patient experiences chest pain, an EKG can be performed on the spot.
• If the patient has a central line, labs can be run onsite.
• The facility is connected to the Cleveland Clinic's Dr. Connect, an Internet-based service allowing community physicians to view real-time electronic medical record information about their patients.
• Patient education is of crucial importance to instill health habits that reduce the chance for re-hospitalization.

Manor Care focuses on four areas: exercise, label reading and menu planning, cooking, and medication. A 30-minute class dedicated to one of the four areas is held within the facility once a week. The approach is multidisciplinary and involves the department managers from nursing, therapy, activities and dietary.

In taking on cardiac rehab, you need to understand the higher acuity patient you will be accepting into the facility. That high acuity does eventually wear on staff members.

Learn more ~ or join the conversation!

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Eric Anthony Johnson