Other characteristics , including specialist versus generalist provision , did not appreciably impact programme effectiveness .
Conclusions Shorter secondary prevention programmes , those based in general practice , and those staffed by generalists are at least as effective in reducing all cause mortality in patients with coronary heart disease as longer programmes , hospital-based programmes , and programmes staffed by specialists
Background The aim of this study was to determine which programme characteristics influence the effectiveness of secondary prevention programmes for Coronary Heart Disease .
Five year follow up of patients at high cardiovascular risk who took part in randomised controlled trial of health promotion
Health promotion programmes for patients with coronary heart disease are valuable,1 2 but there is little evidence on their lasting effect.3 A r and omised controlled trial in which patients who received personalised health promotion for two years showed significant benefits in lifestyle and quality of life.2 4 We investigated whether the differences in lifestyle , quality of life , and risk factors persisted between the two groups five years after enrolment . Patients aged under 75 who had had angina ( all grade s included ) for at least six months and no other concurrent serious illness were identified by 18 general practice s in Belfast . Their diagnosis was confirmed at interview , and they were r and omly allocated to receive either usual NHS care and personal health promotion from a trained nurse every four months for two years or usual NHS care alone . Sealed envelopes opened at interview showed group allocations . Both groups were review ed
Other characteristics , including specialist versus generalist provision , did not appreciably impact programme effectiveness .
Conclusions Shorter secondary prevention programmes , those based in general practice , and those staffed by generalists are at least as effective in reducing all cause mortality in patients with coronary heart disease as longer programmes , hospital-based programmes , and programmes staffed by specialists
Background The aim of this study was to determine which programme characteristics influence the effectiveness of secondary prevention programmes for Coronary Heart Disease .