Research Study on the Impact of a Virtual Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme During COVID-19

A research study conducted at Mater Private Network in Cork examined the role of virtual cardiac rehabilitation during the COVID-19 pandemic, revealing promising findings and underscoring the potential to make essential healthcare services more accessible.  

Inspired by the success of a pilot programme launched in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, Alexandra Wlazlik-Supernak, Senior Physiotherapist at Mater Private Network Cork, undertook a research study to evaluate the broader impact of virtual cardiac rehabilitation on patients' health-related quality of life. The study focused on patients aged over 60 who had participated in the virtual cardiac rehabilitation clinic between March 2020 and September 2021.  

March 2020 marked the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing with it unprecedented global changes, including strict travel restrictions and stay-at-home orders. Within healthcare settings, these measures resulted in the suspension of all elective and routine hospital activities. This included the Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme, which provides vital support for cardiac patients’ post-surgery. The abrupt halt left many patients without access to important rehabilitation services, ultimately affecting their health-related quality of life. 

Eight patients who had been mid-way through their cardiac rehabilitation programme expressed a strong desire to complete it. In response to this feedback, the multidisciplinary team designed the Virtual Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme to safely deliver cardiac rehabilitation services to patients remotely. 

This innovative programme was specifically tailored for patients who had been assessed prior to the pandemic and deemed suitable for at-home care. The virtual sessions ensured patients could continue to receive the necessary support from the comfort and safety of their homes. Notably, all eight patients participated fully and completed the programme, providing overwhelmingly positive feedback. 

The research findings were extremely encouraging, highlighting significant improvements in both physical and mental health outcomes. Patients also demonstrated a 16% improvement in aerobic capacity and cardiovascular performance. 

Special recognition 

The success of the Virtual Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme was made possible through the dedicated efforts of a multidisciplinary team, including Alexandra Wlazlik-Supernak (Senior Physiotherapist), Prof. Ronan Margey (Consultant Cardiologist), Irene Murphy (Cardiac Rehabilitation Nurse), Justine Gray (Dietitian), Louise O’Mahony (Psychotherapist), and the Pharmacy Team including Barry O’Sullivan and Mairead Owens. Their collective expertise and collaboration were key to the programme’s success and its positive impact on patients' lives.