Commentary on Tolmie, EP, Lindsay GM, Kelly T, Tolson D, Baxter S & Belcher PR (2009) Are older patients' cardiac rehabilitation needs being met? Journal of clinical nursing 18, 1878-1888

摘要

Cardiac rehabilitation has progressed markedly since its initial conception. Considering the ageing population (globally) this is not just a good thing, more so a necessity. Originating from exercise and patient education, it was not long before psychosocial factors were recognised as a major cause of disability after a myocardial infarction, which led to greater emphasis on counselling, education and support. From this point on cardiac rehabilitation adopted a multidisciplinary team approach focusing on and dealing with a range of physical and psychosocial factors influencing patients’ quality of life. Even so, a certain degree of ambivalence remains with regard to the provision and efficacy of cardiac rehabilitation programmes.