Medical, social and psychological recovery after cardiac rehabilitation.
A multidisciplinary study was undertaken to determine the number of patients that recovered, deteriorated or remained unchanged during a cardiac rehabilitation programme, as assessed in medical, social and psychological terms. In addition, the relationship between the medical, social and psychological aspects of recovery were investigated. Criteria for improvement, deterioration and an unchanged condition had been developed for the different aspects of recovery. These criteria were based on the degree of change during the rehabilitation programme (expressed in an effect size index) and the outcome at completion of the programme (expressed in terms of good, moderate or poor according to external standards). Although more patients improved than deteriorated, quite a few patients remained unchanged in medical, social or psychological condition. We conclude that cardiac rehabilitation might not be necessary for some patients and is not sufficient for others. Further, the relationship between the several aspects of recovery investigated was found to be weak.
Uniken Venema-van Uden
M M
MM
Dept. of Medical Psychology & Psychotherapy, Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Zoeteweij
M W
MW
Erdman
R A
RA
van den Berg
G M
GM
Smeets
J S
JS
Weeda
H W
HW
Vermeulen
A
A
van Meurs-van Woezik
H
H
Ebink
C
C
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D006801:Humans; D007899:Leisure Activities; D008875:Middle Aged; D012917:Social Adjustment