Extract

Background and study aims Phase III cardiac rehabilitation is a program of supervised exercise, relaxation and education for people with heart disease. It improves fitness and reduces the likelihood of future heart attacks, but attendance rates are low. We set out to increase the proportion of people attending cardiac rehabilitation using a specially designed invitation letter and supportive leaflet, using wording that theoretically should encourage people to attend. Who can participate? People were recruited to the study while in hospital following a heart attack or heart surgery. What does the study involve? Participants are randomly allocated to either receive either the new letter or the previously used letter. Similarly, participants are randomly allocated to receive the new leaflet or not. We then count how many of each group attend cardiac rehabilitation. What are the possible benefits and risks of participating? There were no risks to participants. Where is the study run from? Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (UK) When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for? January 2007 to December 2008 Who is funding the study? University of Aberdeen (UK) Who is the main contact? During the study: Dr Sultan Mosleh ([email protected]) After study completion: Dr Neil Campbell ([email protected])

Inclusion criteria

• Coronary heart disease. Specifically post myocardial infarction and post cardiac surgery

Links

• isrctn
• ictrp