Outcome measures in a combined exercise rehabilitation programme for adults with COPD and chronic heart failure: A preliminary stakeholder consensus event.

Combined exercise rehabilitation for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic heart failure (CHF) is potentially attractive. Uncertainty remains as to the baseline profiling assessments and outcome measures that should be collected within a programme. Current evidence surrounding outcome measures in cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation were presented by experts at a stakeholder consensus event and all stakeholders ( = 18) were asked to (1) rank in order of importance a list of categories, (2) prioritise outcome measures and (3) prioritise baseline patient evaluation measures that should be assessed in a combined COPD and CHF rehabilitation programme.

Cardiac rehabilitation in England: a detailed national survey.

Aims: The purpose of this study is to conduct a detailed analysis of cardiac rehabilitation programmes in England to compare actual provision with the recommendations of the National Service Framework and Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network guidelines.

Methods: Questionnaires and interviews were conducted with key staff from one centre in each Strategic Health Authority in England to establish staffing levels, patient throughput, programme details, data collection and funding.

Results: There were major discrepancies between programmes and the national recommendations.