Evaluation of a rural primary-referred cardiac exercise tolerance test service.

Aim: To describe the feasibility, clinical impact and cost-effectiveness of a rural generalist-led cardiac exercise tolerance test (ETT) service for primary care patients in two different rural communities.

Method: For 12 months, from Sept 2011, a generalist-led ETT service was provided in two rural hospitals in New Zealand: Dunstan in Central Otago and Rawene in Northland. Data was collected to describe the patient outcomes of this service.