[New health care delivery model in cardiology -- Myocardial Infarction Network Essen].

Current guidelines favor primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) as the strategy of choice for the treatment of acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Already in its 1st year, the myocardial infarction network "Herzinfarktverbund Essen" demonstrates with 489 patients the feasibility of an exhaustive urban STEMI network with preference to patient transfer to high-volume PCI centers. Furthermore, integrated health care as an optional part of the "Herzinfarktverbund" offers reimbursement for modern and innovative diagnostic procedures, therapies, and rehabilitation.

[Effects of a phase II cardiac rehabilitation program performed on an outpatient basis].

Background And Objective: In Germany, phase II cardiac rehabilitation has always been carried out on an inpatient basis. Meanwhile, the governmental health authorities are demanding more flexible solutions for cardiac rehabilitation. The objective of this study is to examine the effects of phase II cardiac rehabilitation performed on an outpatient basis (OCR) in a larger patient cohort.