title: Improving guideline adherence for cardiac rehabilitation in the Netherlands.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In 2004, the Netherlands Society of Cardiology released the current guideline on cardiac rehabilitation. Given its complexity and the involvement of various healthcare disciplines, it was supplemented with a clinical algorithm, serving to facilitate its implementation in daily practice. Although the algorithm was shown to be effective for improving guideline adherence, several shortcomings and deficiencies were revealed. Based on these findings, the clinical algorithm has now been updated. This article describes the process and the changes that were made.
  
  
  METHODS
  The revision consisted of three phases. First, the reliability of the measurement instruments included in the 2004 Clinical Algorithm was investigated by evaluating between-centre variations of the baseline assessment data. Second, based on the available evidence, a multidisciplinary expert advisory panel selected items needing revision and provided specific recommendations. Third, a guideline development group decided which revisions were finally included, also taking practical considerations into account.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of nine items were revised: three because of new scientific insights and six because of the need for more objective measurement instruments. In all revised items, subjective assessment methods were replaced by more objective assessment tools (e.g. symptom-limited exercise instead of clinical judgement). In addition, four new key items were added: screening for anxiety/depression, stress, cardiovascular risk profile and alcohol consumption.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Based on previously determined shortcomings, the Clinical Algorithm for Cardiac Rehabilitation was thoroughly revised mainly by incorporating more objective assessment methods and by adding several new key areas.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Informatics, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Room J1b-110, PO Box 22660, 1100 DD, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: H M C
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Kemps
authors.forename: M M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: van Engen-Verheul
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Kraaijenhagen
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Goud
authors.forename: I M
authors.initials: IM
authors.lastname: Hellemans
authors.forename: H J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: van Exel
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sunamura
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Peters
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Peek