Lay summary
Cardiac rehabilitation following a heart attack or heart surgery provides many physical, psychological and quality of life related benefits, and reduces rates of hospital readmission. However many people are unable to access cardiac rehabilitation due to lack of transport or living too far away to attend a hospital-based programme and/or services not being provided in their local area. The focus of this project is to explore alternative models for cardiac rehabilitation that enable improved access for New Zealanders. The project will involve a thorough review of the literature to identify patient preferences for home or community based cardiac rehabilitation service delivery. The team will also engage with people who have cardiovascular disease, community stakeholder organisations and clinicians involved in providing cardiac rehabilitation services, including Maori and Pasifika health providers. This feedback will help support the development of frameworks for alternative cardiac rehabilitation service provision in New Zealand.