The effect of a coordinator on cardiac rehabilitation in a district general hospital

The purpose of this study was to compare the recorded evidence for cardiac rehabilitation (CR) before and after the appointment of a CR coordinator in a large district general hospital in the north of England. An audit proforma was used to collect data recorded in the case notes of 200 patients admitted to hospital during this period with the diagnosis of first myocardial infarction. Recorded CR activity was significantly higher (P<0.001) following the appointment of a CR coordinator, and when the patient was under the care of a cardiologist rather than a general physician (P<0.001). The main differences in activities related to the provision of a personal rehabilitation plan, education, counselling and exercise, and referral for invasive diagnostic tests. Little difference was evident in relation to risk factor assessment, exercise assessment and psychological assessment and treatment.