A multidisciplinary approach to cardiac rehabilitation.

As health care professionals we believe rehabilitation and patient education should commence on admission and continue through to discharge. Ideally it should be started from birth, with education by the family, school, GPs and well person clinics. This should include family screening an awareness of health and factors which may affect this. When patients develop angina, support should be given so that they can control the effects more adequately and reduce potential risk factors. There should be no exclusion criteria for patients accepted on these programmes as those who would probably be excluded are those who would require rehabilitation the most. Every individual can participate in discussion and any form of exercise can be tailored to meet the individual's needs. Many benefits have been mentioned, but the most important one is the improved quality of life for the patient and her or his family. Cardiac rehabilitation programmes and self-help groups may provide additional support to the patient and family during convalescence. Group programmes through their dynamics help to overcome feelings of isolation. Patients feel they gain support from their peer-group and they in turn can help each other overcome residual symptoms and practical difficulties. This 'social' rehabilitation is often the most beneficial aspect of the course; the group really helps them succeed. Rehabilitation must be accepted as part of the treatment and not a luxury for a few patients. This is a very exciting time when interest in this area is developing and research is examining the quality of life. We need to evaluate continually and undertake research to improve nursing practice.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)