Factors in attendance at cardiac rehabilitation.

AIM

The aim of this study was to advance our understanding of why patients do not attend our local cardiac rehabilitation programme.

METHOD

All patients referred to the CR programme over a three-month period were invited to take part. Patients completed three questionnaires.

RESULTS

Twenty-five patients agreed to take part in the study, 16 of whom returned questionnaires. A preference for exercise at home was the most common reason given for not attending phase 3 CR.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlighted the need for flexibility in the provision of phase-3 CR.