TY - JOUR T1 - Harnessing digital health to optimise the delivery of guideline-based cardiac rehabilitation during COVID-19: an observational study JF - Open Heart JO - Open Heart DO - 10.1136/openhrt-2022-002211 VL - 10 IS - 1 SP - e002211 AU - Irene Gibson AU - Zoe McCrudden AU - Denise Dunne AU - Aisling Harris AU - Lisa Hynes AU - Ella Murphy AU - Andrew William Murphy AU - Molly Byrne AU - John William McEvoy Y1 - 2023/03/01 UR - http://openheart.bmj.com/content/10/1/e002211.abstract N2 - Background The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the uptake of digital health interventions for the delivery of cardiac rehabilitation (CR). However, there is a need to evaluate these interventions.Methods We examined the impact of an evidence-based, digital CR programme on medical, lifestyle and psychosocial outcomes. Delivered by an interdisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, the core components of this 12-week programme included lifestyle modification, medical risk factor management, psychosocial and behavioural change support. To support self-management, patients were provided with a Fitbit, a home blood pressure (BP) monitor and an interactive workbook. Patients received access to a bespoke web-based platform and were invited to attend weekly, online group-based supervised exercise sessions and educational workshops. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, end of programme and at 6-month follow-up.Results Over a 3-month period, 105 patients (88% with coronary heart disease) were referred with 74% (n=77) attending initial assessment. Of these, 97% (n=75) enrolled in the programme, with 85% (n=64) completing the programme, 86% (n=55) of completers attended 6-month follow-up. Comparing baseline to end of programme, we observed significant improvements in the proportion of patients meeting guideline-recommended targets for physical activity (+68%, p<0.001), BP (+44%, p<0.001) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (+27%, p<0.001). There were significant reductions in mean weight (−2.6 kg, p<0.001). Adherence to the Mediterranean diet score improved from 5.2 to 7.3 (p<0.001). Anxiety and depression levels (Hospital Anxiety and Depression score) both reduced by more than 50% (p<0.001). The majority of these improvements were sustained at 6-month follow-up.Conclusion Outcomes from this study suggest that interdisciplinary digital CR programmes can be successfully implemented and help patients achieve guideline recommended lifestyle, medical and therapeutic targets.Data are available on reasonable request. ER -