Value for Money in Cardiac Rehabilitation

Synopsis

Why the research project is important

Improving secondary prevention and survivorship after a cardiovascular event is an essential priority of cardiac rehabilitation. Cardiac telerehabilitation has the potential to overcome the associated barriers of conventional centre-based cardiac rehabilitation through the utilisation of telecommunication technology where healthcare providers can communicate and remotely monitor patients. However, the available cost-effectiveness evidence related to cardiac telerehabilitation is restricted to one geographic location, limited number of cardiac rehabilitation participants, and has truncated time horizons.

What the research seeks to do

Our study seeks to conduct decision analytic modelling using published data to understand the likely impact of implementing an evidence-based combined centre-based and tele-based rehabilitation model of care for cardiac rehabilitation to improve outcomes following cardiac events in Australia. We will synthesise evidence from published literature and use simulation models to determine the cost-effectiveness of a combined centre-based and telerehabilitation model for Australian health settings.

What are the research outcomes / impact

Cardiac telerehabilitation has the potential to overcome the barriers associated with centre-based cardiac rehabilitation. However, studies show that older adults are sceptical in fully adapting to telerehabilitation, citing low digital literacy and lack of access to required equipment and technological support. A combined centre-based and tele-based rehabilitation program can potentially improve participation in cardiac telerehabilitation. Demonstrating the value for money of a combined centre-based and tele-based rehabilitation program would provide important evidence for the decision makers to implement a patient-centred cardiac rehabilitation program in Australia.