ECRA-UK
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Enhancing Cardiac Rehabilitation Access for Underserved Groups in the UK
IRAS ID
361253
Contact name
Nefyn H Williams
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Liverpool
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 9 months, 28 days
Research summary
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of illness and death in the UK. People who take part in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) after a heart problem often recover better, live longer, and feel healthier. Unfortunately, many people do not take part in cardiac rehabilitation, especially those from groups that already face health inequalities. These include women, people from ethnic minority backgrounds, and those living in areas of social and economic disadvantage.
To help address this, on-line cardiac rehabilitation programmes, such as Activate Your Heart (AYH), and its newer version, i-IMPACT, were developed by the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust. These programmes allow patients to complete cardiac rehabilitation online, at home, with support from healthcare professionals. They are designed to be flexible and reduce barriers such as travel, cost, or time commitments. However, little is known about how well these programmes work for underserved groups and what might make them easier and more likely to be used by a wide range of people.
This study will look at the AYH/i-IMPACT programmes in two ways. First, the research team will review existing NHS data (such as age, gender, diagnosis, and programme engagement) from around 600 patients. This will help identify who joins the programmes, how many complete them, and whether there are differences between those who complete/do not complete. Patients will be given the chance to opt out of having their data included.
Second, the team will carry out interviews and a short survey with people who attended (completed fully or partially) or never started the programme. This will explore their experiences, challenges, and suggestions for improvement.
Overall the study aims to provide practical recommendations to make cardiac rehabilitation more inclusive, accessible, and effective for people who often miss out. This could help improve heart health and reduce inequalities across the UK.
REC name
South West - Frenchay Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/SW/0159
Date of REC Opinion
5 Feb 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion