What should be included in a home-based cardiac rehabilitation programme?
A home-based cardiac rehabilitation programme typically involves an overarching self-help manual outlining the programme, and include an exercise training element (such as open air walking or indoor exercises using a DVD), as well as educational (for example, medications, symptom monitoring and help-seeking) and psychological (for example, managing stress and anxiety) components. The programmes are overseen by a trained healthcare professional who patients can contact for further advice. All home-based programmes should be accompanied by tele-monitoring and written information, and some programmes may include the use of heart rate monitors and pedometers. One programme may utilise remote monitoring equipment (an EHO 6 device enabling the recording and transmission of an ECG via a mobile phone).