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 .
Rehabilitation after myocardial infarction. A controlled study.
The effects of a rehabilitation programme  one year after myocardial infa rct ion ( MI ) were investigated in 171 patients under 65 years of age . These patients were allocated at r and om to rehabilitation and control groups before discharge from hospital . The groups were comparable with regard to age , sex and clinical data . The programme included physical exercise , counselling of patients and relatives , and social measures over a 3-month period during the convalescent stage . One year after MI patients in the rehabilitation group showed lower systolic blood pressure at rest and lower diastolic pressure on submaximal exercise than controls . No differences were found with regard to mean work capacity , days off work , return to work , psychological status , and underst and ing of the illness . At 12 months all patients were less physically and socially active than before MI , they were more dependent on their relatives than before , and they had poor underst and ing of their illness
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 .