NEW SURVEY DETAILS BENEFITS OF REMOTE CARDIAC REHAB

In spite of the devastation caused by COVID, heart disease remains the number one killer among adult men and women in the US. We all know that a well-managed rehabilitation program can dramatically impact the health and well-being of cardiac patients. However, according to the American Heart Association, an astounding 80% of patients DO NOT follow prescribed  rehabilitation; many experience relapses or rehospitalizations as a result. 

Studies have shown many reasons for this lack of compliance: Simple motivation is one. Limited access is another. Outpatient facilities are not always accessible, particularly for seniors, lower income patients and those in rural areas, Fortunately, virtual medical care – telehealth – directly addresses these issues.

Since 2020, physical distancing due to the COVID pandemic accelerated the trend toward remote care. And yet, a recent survey found many remote rehab patients reporting other factors prevented them for traveling to a physical outpatient location anyway. 

The survey, conducted among patients referred by their physicians who now or did participate in a remote rehab program through RecoveryPlus.health, identifies less than 1/3 of respondents who started this form of activity due to Covid. Other reasons include General Mobility Challenges (14%), No Facility nearby or the Expense of getting to one (14%). Others cited as the specific reason they’re in the program, that their Doctor Prescribed this virtual option (20%).

Once patients have been guided through onboarding via telephone or videoconferencing by an experienced rehab care specialist, remote rehab drives engagement. Almost 68% of patients responding to the survey cited Convenience as the feature they like best; 55% listed its Simplicity to use, and almost half (over 48%) appreciate that their primary care Doctor is Kept Informed about their progress, through the proprietary physician dashboard.

More than one-third of patients (36%) cited the one-to-one relationship they have with their individual care manager, sometimes an exercise therapist, sometimes an LPN, on a regular, usually weekly basis. 

Survey respondents listed their top three goals for engaging in remote rehab to be:

1. Having Regular Contact with a Healthcare Professional (50%)
2. Avoiding relapse or losing what progress they’ve made (47%)
3. Fulfilling the Prescription from their primary care physician or cardiologist (40%)

Patients also referenced the value of “increasing general movement” and “maintaining balance and stamina.” As they work toward their personal goals, patients are already recognizing important improvements, again mirroring outpatient rehab results, such as:

1. Feeling better (23%)
2. Being more informed about their own health (18%)
3. Feeling taken care of by the staff (18%)1

The level of patience and compassion of individual healthcare professionals is critical. In the survey, respondents listed those qualities they value most in the exercise therapist, doctor or other specialist whom they work with regularly:

1. They understand and/or have experience with my illness (52%)
2. Have a pleasant personality (48%)
3. Ability to personalize the program to fit my needs (45%)

And, in one of the most revealing results, the vast majority of respondents (81%) said they plan to continue this regimen “for as long as I can,” beyond the length of time prescribed by their doctor. For many patients who experienced a medical issue and are now on their way to recovery, the exercises, monitoring and regular movement open the way toward an entirely reimagined lifestyle.

There are still challenges. Only 14% percent of patients had difficulty setting up Zoom, using the phone, or with some other aspect of technology. When asked “what they don’t like about” the program, we hear similar complaints that come with any rehab program, remote or not, such as “I don’t feel like doing it every week” or “I’m too tired.” Fortunately, these concerns are immediately addressed with the patient, and the program is easily adjusted.

Our survey was conducted among patients from 28 to 87 years old with almost one-third (31%) in their 80s. The majority, 88%, are 50 or over. Most (54%) are male. Most are retired and current patients. Approximately one-fifth (22%) have only been engaged in remote rehab for 3 months or less. Less than half, 42%, live at home alone; the rest with a family member or caregiver. Clearly, telehealth is here to stay, and really making a difference in people’s lives.

For more information about the survey, please visit RP Patient Survey Results.

About the Author
Peter Niemi, CEO & Co-Founder of RecoveryPlus.health, helped develop early marketing and digital solutions for major pharmaceutical and healthcare clients. He earned his MBA at Columbia Business School, acquired NextGen RPM, and launched this innovative platform to leverage the growth in telehealth and preventive care.