Exciting news for heart disease patients: rehabilitation might soon be just a click away! New draft guidance could see patients receiving treatment right from the comfort of their homes. Six platforms, including Activate Your Heart and KiActiv, have been conditionally approved for NHS use, offering exercise routines, diet tips, educational resources, and psychological support. Plus, some even come with wearable devices to track progress!
With approximately seven million people in the UK affected by cardiovascular issues, the introduction of these online services could truly revolutionise care. Traditionally, only 41% of those eligible have participated in rehab programmes, with even lower numbers for heart failure patients.
The shift to digital aims to make rehabilitation more accessible, especially for women, young adults, ethnic minorities, and those in areas where attending face-to-face sessions is more challenging. These platforms provide a personalised approach, ensuring more patients can benefit from potentially life-saving rehab.
But don’t worry, a trained NHS professional will ensure a clinical assessment before starting any digital programmes. This three-year trial period will help gather valuable data, leading to a decision on the routine use of these technologies.
Stay tuned for further developments! The consultation period is ongoing, so there’s still time to contribute your thoughts before it wraps up on September 3rd. Until then, here’s hoping for a future where heart care is more accessible than ever! ❤️