Abstract
In the current economic climate within the NHS, behavioural-change
interventions in chronic disease such as exercise programmes will be
time-limited within acute hospital facilities. The challenge is to deliver
cost-effective, participatory, population-specific health interventions
that result in measurable benefits. Methodology: A mixed-methods study
was undertaken to assess the benefits of participation in a structured
exercise programme for patients with heart failure. Primary
outcomes were improvements in functional capacity and quality of
life. Secondary outcome measures related to patient satisfaction and
sustainability of the intervention post study. Results: Overall significant
improvements were not found in quality of life or functional capacity;
some participants demonstrated significant improvements with others
showing minor improvement or no improvement in one or both
domains. Conclusions: Anecdotal evidence of perceived benefit was
expressed in participant satisfaction responses. Secondary outcomes
were met in relation to sustainability with commissioning of hospitaland
community-based programmes on completion of the study.