Hybrid cardiac telerehabilitation after acute coronary syndrome: self-selection predictors and outcomes

Abstract

Aims: To evaluate the effectiveness of a hybrid cardiac telerehabilitation (HCTR) program after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) on patient quality of life (QoL) and physical activity indices throughout phases 2-3 and establish predictors for hybrid program self-selection. Methodology: This single-centre longitudinal retrospective study included patients who attended a cardiac rehabilitation program (CRP) between 2018-2021. Patients self-selected between two groups: Group 1 – conventional CRP (CCRP); Group 2 – HCTR. Baseline characteristics were registered. EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D) and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) were applied at three times: T0 – phase 2 onset; T1 – phase 3 onset; T2 – 3 months after T1. Results: 59 patients participated (Group 1 – 27; Group 2 – 32). We found significant between-group differences regarding occupation (p=0.003). Diabetic patients were less likely to self-select into HCTR (OR=0.21; p<0.05). EQ-5D visual analogue scale and IPAQ result significantly improved between T0-T2 only for HCTR (p=0.001; p=0.021). Conclusions: HCTR was superior to CCRP on physical activity indices and QoL of ACS patients.