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Home-based rehabilitation could improve quality of life of patients with heart failure

Research suggests that a novel home-based rehabilitation programme for patients with heart failure could be effective in improving their Quality of life (QoL). The Rehabilitation Enablement in CHronic Heart Failure (REACH-HF) programme is a home-based programme of exercise and well-being designed together by clinicians, academics, patients and caregivers with the goal of making rehabilitation more accessible.

Researchers at the University of Exeter and the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS trust monitored patients (average age 70 years) participating in the REACH-HF programme for 12 months. The patients were assisted by specially trained cardiac nurses or physiotherapists during the assessment period. Along with education and psychological support, patients were also provided chair-based or walking exercises ≥3 times a week. QoL was assessed using the 'Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire'.

The findings showed a substantial improvement in the QoL of patients receiving the REACH-HF programme compared with patients not undergoing rehabilitation. The per person cost of the programme was £418 compared with the current price of £477 the NHS pays for rehabilitation.

Professor Rod Taylor from the University of Exeter Medical School said: "We now hope to see REACH-HF rolled out across the United Kingdom as a genuine menu option for all cardiac rehab programmes, which will help improve uptake to rehabilitation and improve the QoL of people with HF and their caregivers."


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