Heart Rehabilitation for All (HeRTA): Protocol for a feasibility study and pilot randomized trial

182 patients with cardiac disease (ischemic heart disease, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, or valve surgery) enrolled in a pilot randomized trial of a multi-component rehabilitation model.

Multi-component rehabilitation intervention including usual care plus an information book, patient supporters from the Danish Heart Association, employer information materials, a rehabilitation goal setting plan, a support café for relatives, and follow-up phone calls from physiotherapists 1 and 3 months after rehabilitation. Vulnerable patients additionally receive small group education, pro-active counselling, paid transportation, and paid sports association membership.

Usual care at the hospital (rehabilitation-needs-assessment, patient education, and physical training) and/or municipal rehabilitation (patient education and 12 weeks of physical training).

Rehabilitation participation (attending ≥ two activities: patient education, smoking cessation, dietary counseling, and physical training) and reaching at least 50% attendance.