The impact of the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19) pandemic and the rapid adoption of telehealth for cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention programs in rural and remote Australia: A multi-method study

The impact of the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19) pandemic and the rapid adoption of telehealth for cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention programs in rural and remote Australia: A multi-method study Journal Article

Heart, Lung and Circulation

  • Author(s): Champion, Stephanie, Clark, Robyn A., Tirimacco, Rosy, Tideman, Philip, Gebremichael, Lemlem, Beleigoli, Alline
  • Published: 2022
  • ISBN: 1443-9506

Abstract: Introduction Centre-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs were disrupted and urged to adopt telehealth modes of delivery during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Previously established telehealth services may have faced increased demand. This study aimed to investigate a) the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on CR attendance/completion, b) clinical outcomes of patients with cardiovascular (CV) diseases referred to CR and, c) how regional and rural centre-based services converted to a telehealth delivery during this time. Methods A cohort of patients living in regional and rural Australia, referred to an established telehealth-based or centre-based CR services during COVID-19 first wave, were prospectively followed-up, for ≥90 days (February to June 2020). Cardiac rehabilitation attendance/completion and a composite of CV re-admissions and deaths were compared to a historical control group referred in the same period in 2019. The impact of mode of delivery (established telehealth service versus centre-based CR) was analysed through a competitive risk model. The adaption of centre-based CR services to telehealth was assessed via a cross-sectional survey. Results 1,954 patients (1,032 referred during COVID-19 and 922 pre-COVID-19) were followed-up for 161 (interquartile range 123–202) days. Mean age was 68 (standard deviation 13) years and 68% were male. Referrals to the established telehealth program did not differ during (24%) and pre-COVID-19 (23%). Although all 10 centre-based services surveyed adopted telehealth, attendance (46.6% vs 59.9%; p<0.001) and completion (42.4% vs 75.4%; p<0.001) was significantly lower during COVID-19. Referral during vs pre-COVID-19 (sub hazard ratio [SHR] 0.77; 95% CI 0.68–0.87), and to a centre-based program compared to the established telehealth service (SHR 0.66; 95% CI 0.58–0.76) decreased the likelihood of CR uptake. Discussion An established telehealth service and rapid adoption of telehealth by centre-based programs enabled access to CR in regional and rural Australia during COVID-19. However, further development of the newly implemented telehealth models is needed to promote CR attendance and completion.

Cite this document

Suggested Citation
Champion, Stephanie, Clark, Robyn A., Tirimacco, Rosy, Tideman, Philip, Gebremichael, Lemlem, Beleigoli, Alline, 2022, The impact of the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19) pandemic and the rapid adoption of telehealth for cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention programs in rural and remote Australia: A multi-method study, Journal Article, viewed 16 February 2025, https://www.nintione.com.au/?p=38657.

Endnote Mendeley Zotero Export Google Scholar

Share this page

Search again