Objectives: Overwhelming evidence suggests that 2/3 of individuals with a chronic disease do not exercise sufficiently to confer a health benefit. The current project was undertaken to establish long term, community based exercise programmes suitable for this population.
Methods: In a collaboration between Queensland Health and the Heart Foundation, 7 Heartmoves programmes were established across Brisbane. Heartmoves is a licensed programme managed by the National Heart Foundation to equip fitness instructors and other professionals with the necessary skills and scope of practice to provide low to moderate intensity exercise programmes for individuals with a chronic medical condition. Training was provided to 10 instructors and programmes were established in venues with close proximity to all major Brisbane hospitals. All Brisbane based cardiac, heart failure and pulmonary rehabilitation programme co-ordinators were engaged in the project.
Results: Since September 2009, referral pathways have been implemented and well established for cardiac, heart failure and pulmonary rehabilitation patients and 218 referrals have been received from hospital sources. Of these, 65% were over the age of 65 years. Surveys were distributed to all patients at baseline and 3 months with a response rate of 57%. Sixty-two percent of individuals referred presented to Heartmoves at least once and of these 47% attended 80% of available weeks.
Conclusions: This project has facilitated a streamlined transition from hospital based cardiac, heart failure and pulmonary rehabilitation programmes, to long term community options. Patient perceived facilitators and barriers to exercise attendance have been identified.