Rehabilitation programs for myocardial infarction patients: A national survey

Considering the evidence in support of the importance of psychologic and social factors in the recovery of myocardial infarction (MI) patients, the authors studied the nationwide prevalence of psychosocial rehabilitation programs for MI patients. Findings from a survey of U.S. hospitals with coronary care units (n = 1628) included 1) widespread involvement of patients and families in inpatient programs, 2) approximately half as many continuing in outpatient programs, 3) limited use of group counseling, and 4) multidisciplinary staffing but counseling by nurses and social workers primarily. The clinical and economic benefits of group-oriented psychosocial rehabilitation programs are discussed. The authors encourage more psychologically informed intervention in the various parts of the patient's life-space and more use of groups.