In Norway, more than 11,000 patients with coronary artery disease undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) annually. However, a very recent study utilizing registry data show a national average of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) participation of only 14%, despite its proven beneficial effects on readmissions, physical capacity, psychological distress, self-management, and quality of life. CR is strongly recommended in European guidelines. However, uptake is low and is not systematically identifying those in most need of CR.
The primary objective of eCardiacRehab is to meet rehabilitation needs of large patient populations regardless of their access to traditional place-based rehabilitation by developing and evaluating the efficacy and cost effectiveness of an interdisciplinary and comprehensive home-based eCardiacRehab programme. eCardiacRehab address patient- and system level challenges in order to increase access to CR. We give particular attention to older patients, women, and those with comorbidities or mental health challenges. Aspects related to continuity of care between specialist and primary care services, health literacy, adherence to treatment and lifestyle advice, cost effectiveness and ethics are investigated. We will 1) continue to develop the programme with patients, general practitioners, healthcare experts from both specialist and primary care services, and technology developers, 2) develop treatment modules, 3) establish information and communication infrastructure, 4) evaluate the process and efficacy of treatment modules, 5) ensure knowledge development and transfer of competence to the municipalities, and 6) contribute to fulfil the innovation potential for health service and industry partners. eCardiacRehab has the potential to improve interaction and collaboration between primary and secondary care, modernise and digitalise work processes, and develop more coherent and tailored patient pathways. The vision of the home-based eCardiacRehab is to make CR available to all.
The digital treatment program eCardiacRehab was developed through extensive co-creation processes. We now have a version 2 in place, with improved functionality and content. Comprehensive testing has also been conducted with many stakeholders, including those involved in ICT, clinical practice, and logistics. The program is currently in its feasibility phase, with all patients now included. Implementation of the treatment program is in full progress. Collaboration with users, ICT teams, and a highly interdisciplinary group of subject-matter experts from various parts of the healthcare system has continued to be a strong focus this year as well.
A major meeting was once again held at Haukeland University Hospital, with both users and professionals in attendance. The program was broad and diverse, featuring speakers such as the Deputy Director of Helse Bergen, the City Government Leader of Bergen Municipality, users, and clinical experts. The international advisory board convened in Bergen and continues its clear and valuable contributions to the project. These are internationally recognized experts in the field, whose involvement is of great benefit to the project. A postdoctoral researcher spent six months at the University of Sydney, further developing collaboration with our group. We continue to place strong emphasis on widespread dissemination activities through webinars, invited lectures, and abstracts at national and international conferences. This year, we also participated in a panel debate at Arendalsuka.
In Norway, more than 11,000 patients undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) annually. However, a very recent analysis of registry data show a national average of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) participation of 14% despite its proven beneficial effects on readmissions, physical capacity, psychological distress, self-management, and quality of life. CR is a Class 1A recommendation in European guidelines. However, uptake is low and is not systematically identifying those in most need of CR. The primary objective of eCardiacRehab is to meet rehabilitation needs of large patient populations regardless of their access to traditional place-based rehabilitation by developing and evaluating the efficacy and cost effectiveness of an interdisciplinary and comprehensive home-based eCardiacRehab programme. eCardiacRehab address patient- and system level challenges in order to increase access to CR. We give particular attention to the underserved; older patients, women, and those with comorbidities or mental health challenges. Aspects related to continuity of care between specialist and primary care services, health literacy, adherence to treatment, cost effectiveness and ethics are scrutinized. We will 1) continue co-creation with patients, GPs, healthcare experts from both specialist and primary care services, and technology developers, 2) develop treatment modules, 3) establish ICT infrastructure, 4) evaluate the process and efficacy of treatment modules, 5) ensure knowledge development and transfer of competence to the municipalities, and 6) contribute to fulfil the innovation potential for health service and industry partners. eCardiacRehab has the potential to improve interaction and collaboration between primary and secondary care, modernise and digitalise work processes, and develop more coherent and tailored patient pathways. The vision of the home-based eCardiacRehab is to make CR available to all.
