FARSTER: Feasibility of early cardiac rehabilitation after CABG
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Feasibility Study of Early Outpatient Review and Early Cardiac Rehabilitation After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: Mixed Methods Research Design.
IRAS ID
256669
Contact name
Dumbor Ngaage
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN80441309
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 5 months, 31 days
Research summary
In the UK, heart operations have steadily increased since 2010. Of 36,134 operations performed in 2013, 17,630 were isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Following CABG, patients currently attend their first outpatient review six weeks after hospital discharge, where recovery is assessed and fitness to commence cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is determined. CR is then started from eight weeks. There is no research to support the timings of either the outpatient check-up or the start of cardiac rehabilitation. The long interval before postoperative review and CR extends the period of vulnerability and inactivity for patients. Our proposed study will examine the feasibility of bringing forward outpatient review and CR, in order to facilitate recovery, physical fitness and quality of life.\n\nDuring this 18 month feasibility study, we plan to recruit 100 patients undergoing a planned CABG through a median sternotomy, at 2 NHS hospitals over 5 months. Half of the participants will be randomly assigned to a novel shortened pathway including a postoperative review three weeks after hospital discharge, followed by commencement of CR from four weeks. The remainder will continue with usual treatment. CR for both groups will involve exercise classes once or twice a week for eight weeks, and fitness tests. Patients will then have a final assessment at 26 weeks, with clinical examination, fitness and breathing tests, and completion of a general health questionnaire.\n\nOutcomes will be measured through a variety of standard clinical tests as well as questionnaires. Additionally, we will collect qualitative data through interviews, diary entries and focus group meetings with consenting participants and clinical staff. We will analyse patients’ and staff experiences, patient fitness levels, delivery of the trial, quality of life and costs, associated with each pathway.
REC name
East Midlands - Derby Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/EM/0391
Date of REC Opinion
4 Jan 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion