A Service Evaluation of V Heart Health

Introduction: The aim of this work was to conduct an evaluation of V Heart Health, a digital cardiac rehabilitation programme for patients with multimorbidity. Whilst the traditional (face-to-face) cardiac rehab programme is considered the ‘gold standard’ it is important that there is a menu of options available for patients and V Heart Health seems well placed to form part of this. Methods: Quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection were utilised including adherence (usability) data, routinely collected clinical data and patient satisfaction feedback. A staff focus group was conducted to explore staff perceptions with regards to the delivery of V Heart Health. Results: The collection of routine clinical data was successful where data were collected by clinicians via phone or video call. Where the onus was on patients to complete and return questionnaires and feedback forms there were some missing data. It is important that this is addressed as completeness of data and patient feedback are essential to ensure service development and improvement. The feedback from patients with regard to the programme content and the staff involved in the delivery was positive. Findings from the focus group indicated that staff felt the programme was successful and they were keen to continue developing and improving the service. They reported keeping patients at the heart of all future decisions and emphasized that V Heart Health should continue to form part of a suite of options for patients. Some of the issues described in this early rollout phase included challenges securing an appropriate venue (during COVID 19 lockdown), awareness and knowledge of wider team about V Heart Health and concerns about digital literacy within the county. Factors perceived as facilitators included staff development, IT support and teamwork. There were technology and connectivity issues described by patients that need to be explored and addressed as a priority going forward. Conclusion: it is important to offer patients choice, to include site based, home, online or blended programmes on an equitable basis with the aim to improve uptake across a range of patient groups. There are areas for development of V Heart Health described within this report which are already being explored as the programme is continuously evolving in response to feedback and staff are becoming more confident and competent in its delivery. V Heart Health has the potential to form part of the menu of programme options for patients living in Lincolnshire. This initial evaluation demonstrates preliminary proof of concept and acceptability data for V Heart Health, however further evaluation and research is warranted.