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Description of a cardiac Rehabilitation Program: Page 107-108
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Phase I: Begins with physician referral to the cardiac rehab program. Patients are referred to the inpatient program when they are medically stable. It consists of patien and family education, self-care evaluation, continuous monitoring of tial signs, group discussions, and low-level exercise. Exercise activities include active ROM, ambulation, and self-care. Exercise intensity is often prescribed according to heart rate and by rating on RPE. Typically concludes with a low-level exercise test, although this activity may not be appropriate for high-risk clients. The trend towared early hospital discharge following a cardiac event has resulted in Phase 1 averaging 3-5 days.
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Phase II: Begins immediately after hospitialization and lasts 2-12 weeks depending on patient's ability to tolerate exercise training. Patients are monitored closely during this phase program and are supervised during all activities. Goals are increasing functional capacity through exercise, educating patient on risk factor modifications, and developing independence in self-monitoring. Frequency of visits average 2-3 times a week. Patient typically progress to a Phase III when they are clinically stable, independent with self-monitoring techniques, and do not require ECG monitoring.
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Phase III: Viewed as a continuation of a Phase II program and lasts 6-8 weeks. Exercise training, physcal fitness, level of endurance, and risk factor modification are the primary emphasis of the program. Often includes exercise, education, and counseling. Maximal symptom-limited exercise test is required to assess fitness level and appropriately plan for exercise intensity. This average frequency of the program is once per week.
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Phase IV: Lasts throughout the patient's lifetime and is designed to promote optimal health. Requirements for participation include independence with self-monitoring of exercise, stable cardiac status, no contraindications to exercise, and at least a 5 met capacity for activities.
