ABSTRACT
Exercise-basedcardiac rehabilitation (EBCR) is a well-established multidisciplinary form of treatment for the majority of cardiovascular diseases. It has been shown to reduce cardiovascular mortality and morbidity as well as improve risk factor control, quality of life, mental wellbeing and physical fitness. Despite these proven benefits, EBCR has historically faced multiple challenges such as poor uptake, high dropout rates and low referral rates. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has thrust technology into focus and facilitated the use of telehealth in EBCR. This presentation provides an opportunity to learn about the provision of EBCR within government restructured hospitals in Singapore, as well as the transition from a traditional face-to-face service to the utilisation of remote methods in changing perspectives of patients and healthcare providers alike.
ABSTRACT
Objectives: Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) exercise classes in Singapore were either cancelled or suspended due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In response, a hybrid CR programme utilising telehealth was created to reduce reliance on in-person sessions. Our study aimed to assess early patients' impressions of this novel CR delivery method. Methods: Each hybrid CR programme comprises: (a) one CR orientation session via the Zoom video conferencing platform where patients interact with CR nurses and physiotherapists, (b) two 6-minute walk test fitness assessments (at baseline and upon completion), (c) five in-person supervised exercise classes and (d) two teleconsultation sessions (scheduled after exercise sessions 2 and 4) where CR physiotherapists review symptoms and discuss exercise prescriptions with patients over the phone. Upon programme completion, patients filled 2 anonymous online questionnaires - one assessing the videoconferencing component and another assessing the teleconsultation component and overall programme. Results: Seven patients underwent the hybrid CR programme. The majority were male (n=6, 86%), aged between 51 to 65 years (n=4, 57%) and had previously used a wide range of mobile applications (n=6, 86%). 100% of patients either agreed or strongly agreed that both videoconferencing and teleconsultation were: (a) easy to use, (b) as valuable as in-person sessions, (c) saved time and (d) had lower infection risk compared to in-person sessions (Figure). The overall ratings for videoconferencing, teleconsultation and the hybrid programme were 9.3, 9.6 and 9.6 (out of 10) respectively. All patients would definitely recommend the programme to others. Conclusion: Responses by participants of a novel hybrid CR programme utilising telehealth are highly encouraging. From a patient perspective, incorporation of telehealth to enable remote CR is feasible, acceptable and should be considered as an alternative CR delivery method.
ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in enforced and prolonged social and physical distancing. For cardiac patients, this has led to suspension of group exercise classes, whereas many healthcare providers were re-deployed to the frontlines of the COVID-19 battle. Strict travel restrictions within and between countries have also led to many families being separated from one another in different parts of the world, leading to significant stress, anxiety and even depression. Find out how both patients and healthcare workers have been impacted by the pandemic, how technology has played a part in delivering cardiac rehabilitation remotely, as well as available resources for stress relief.
ABSTRACT
Although the end of the COVID-19 pandemic is still not in sight, it is stablising as life gradually returns to a new form of normal. This is especially important for physical activity, whether in competitive athletes, healthy individuals engaging in recreational sport or those with pre-existing heart conditions looking to improve their fitness. Avoiding sedentary behaviour, along with regular physical activity, are essential in reducing cardiovascular risk. However, with more evidence reporting multiple adverse short and long term cardiovascular sequelae in COVID-19 patients, how can we keep ourselves safe while continuing to enjoy physical activity? This lecture will cover contemporary guidelines and recommendations for physical activity and sports amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in those who have contracted the disease, as well as those with pre-existing heart conditions.