Background: Participation in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a strong recommendation of clinical guidelines for the management of heart failure (HF) because it is demonstrated to be a clinically effective and cost-effective intervention. Despite this, Danish data shows the uptake of CR is suboptimal (51%). A major barrier is that the traditional mode of CR provision is centre based. Travelling (time and cost), dislike of group exercise, and inconvenient timings are some key problems to participation. A potential solution is use of home-based programmes as an alternative to traditional CR.
A novel home-based programme for patients with HF and their caregivers (REACH-HF), developed in the United Kingdom has achieved improvements in quality of life and proven to be cost effective. The REACH-HF program is translated and adapted into a Danish context (DK: REACH-HF) and is now ready to be tested in a Danish setting.
The aim of this project is to improve the access and uptake of CR among HF patients in Denmark, particularly in subgroups of patients who currently do not benefit from center-based CR.
Aged > 18 years
Confirmed diagnosis of Heart Failure (HF) with reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF) (Ejection Fraction (EF) <45%)
No worsening of HF symptoms within past 2 weeks resulting in hospitalization (to ensure stable patients)
Are deemed suitable for participating in Cardiac Rehabilitation (CR) by the outpatient HF clinic
Have undertaken CR within the past 12 months
Are unwilling/unable to travel to a rehabilitation center in the municipality or at the hospital
Are unable to understand the study information and/or corporate on giving informed consent