Phase 4 constitutes the components of long-term maintenance of lifestyle changes and professional monitoring of clinical status. It is when patients leave the structured Phase 3 programme and continue exercise and other lifestyle modifications indefinitely. This may be facilitated in the CR units istelf or in a local leisure centre. Alternatively individuals may prefer to exercise independently and Phase 4 may involve helping them set a safe and realistic maintenance programme.
Below please find a selection of presentations on Phase 4 which may be of interest.
Phase 4 - St. Colmcille's Hospital Loughlinstown - Presentation by Sophie Charles
Phase 4 - St. Michael's Hospital Dun Laoghaire - Presenation by Ann Vaughan
Croi Cardiac Club Project - Presentation by Irene Gibson
Phase 4 - the UK Experience So Far - Presentation by Dr. Morag Thaw
Phase 4 - Cardiac Rehabilitation in the EHSSB - Presentation by David Tumilty
The IACR formed a subgroup in 2008 to work on compiling a directory of Phase 4 services and models available nationally. The group also looked at the possibility of formulating a National Phase 4 Exercise Gym Instructor Model for role out in Ireland. Click here to read the subgroup report.
British Association of Cardiac Rehabiliation (BACR) Phase 4 Exercise Instructor Training Courses are being held in Ireland in 2010. Click here for further information or contact bdalton@irishheart.ie
The St. Columcille's Hospital Phase 4 model is available to any CR unit. This model is validated by the IACR and the Irish Heart Foundation and has been running successfully for a number of years. To date approx 50 gym instructors have been trained with approx 10 gyms currently providing Phase 4 classes for St Columcille's CR patients. For further information on this model please read the How To Guide.