Country Heart Attack Prevention

“When in-person support is difficult to access, innovative ways of delivery and new technologies have huge potential to improve health in distant regions; the challenge is supporting clinicians, their patients and carers to understand the options and access heart rehab through the increasing range of telehealth, apps, avatars, and web based services.”

- Clark

Only 20-50% of patients attend cardiac rehabilitation. This project includes a team of nine internationally renowned chief investigators and six associate investigators. They are supported by 11 partners contributing an additional $1.8 million in a project with a total value of $3.24 million.

Goal

Reduce the risk of repeat heart attacks amongst country people.

Aims

Boost completion of cardiac rehabilitation in rural and remote areas.
Engage clinicians to recommend cardiac rehabilitation.
Develop an auto referral system.
Provide a range of delivery methods including face-to-face, telephone support, apps, websites, and general practice models.
To improve long term support for heart health.

Researchers

From Flinders
Professor Robyn Clark
Dr Alline Beleigoli

Grant Details

NHMRC partnership grant - $1.35M

Chief Investigator: Professor Robyn Clark

Commenced: 2019
Completion date: Aug 2022

Tools and Resources

Country Heart Attack Prevention (CHAP) Project

Collaborators

Monash University, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), The University of Adelaide, University of South Australia, Deakin University, Southern Adelaide Local Health Network.

Project Partners

SA Health, Country Health SA, Country Primary Health Network, AstraZeneca, Heart Foundation, Novartis, Flinders Foundation, the Cardiac Society of Australia & New Zealand, Royal Australian College of General Practice, Australian Cardiac Rehabilitation Association and Exercise Scientists Society of Australia.