Cardiac rehabilitation: goals, interventions and action plans.

Cardiac rehabilitation services are now well established in the UK. There is a growing evidence base for cardiac rehabilitation interventions but, despite this, there remains much variation in service models and delivery. The 'National Service Framework for Coronary Heart Disease' sets out goals for cardiac rehabilitation interventions based on lifestyle change; however, many people do not have access to cardiac rehabilitation towards menu-driven approaches, which may suit individual need more than a standardized approach. Nurses play a crucial role in the delivery of cardiac rehabilitation services and hold the necessary skills and expertise so to do. Future challenges to cardiac rehabilitation include developing increasingly patient-focused services across the boundaries of primary, secondary and social care, and increasing patient and public involvement in services.