The participation in coronary groups represents an important part of the third phase of cardiac rehabilitation in Germany. Several studies have revealed that blue-collar workers were in the minority in these groups. In order to support blue-collar workers after myocardial infarction to join coronary groups, the Teutoburger-Wald clinic established a special outpatient care program. One year after the inpatient rehabilitation program, 46 patients were contacted by phone and visited at home by a social worker. The control group consisted of 41 patients. After one year, 57% of patients of the intervention group had joined a coronary group. The difference to the control group (27%) was significant. The results emphasize the motivating effect of the outpatient care program as a link between the second and third phase of cardiac rehabilitation. To enhance the acceptance for coronary groups, a modification of the group program is recommended.

There are no links to full text for this record.