Virtual cardiac rehab program reduces hospital readmission days by over 70%
Medibank
Medibank’s Heart Health at Home a game-changer in cardiovascular care
A study published in the European Heart Journal- Digital Health has hailed Medibank’s virtual cardiac rehabilitation program, Heart Health at Home, as a leap forward in modern healthcare, showing it is associated with a noticeable reduction in hospital readmission days for cardiac patients.
The evaluation, conducted by the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, examined 176 Medibank customers enrolled in the Heart Health at Home program. Participants recorded a 71% reduction in hospital readmission days within a 3-month period.
With approximately 1.3 million Australians currently living with vascular disease and cardiovascular disease (CVD) which is often linked to strokes and heart attacks, costing the nation an estimated $14.3 billion annually, these findings point to an important opportunity to reimagine chronic disease care. Cardiac rehabilitation could save lives by reducing risks and improving quality of life. It could also greatly reduce hospital readmissions. Yet many barriers prevent people from accessing face to face programs so when no virtual program is available, most patients don’t have cardiac rehabilitation.
Medibank’s Group Chief Medical Officer Dr Andrew Wilson said it’s time we change how we treat CVD.
"Traditionally, patients who experience a cardiac event are discharged from hospital with little to no follow-up. While face-to-face rehabilitation has long been considered the gold standard, the reality is that many patients do not engage in these programs after their event. Studies show that around 30% of eligible patients are referred for cardiac rehabilitation, and only 28% of those referred actually attend.”
Dr Wilson said the findings highlight that virtual rehabilitation programs can be a more accessible option, “importantly, people are more likely to commit to them, as they can participate from the comfort of their own home. This is particularly valuable for individuals living in rural and regional areas, while also offering greater convenience for those in metropolitan regions. As a result, virtual programs have contributed to a reduction in readmission days following cardiac events, as patients are more engaged in their recovery when they do return to care."
With Australia spending the majority of its CVD budget on hospital care, the groundbreaking study shows that virtual rehabilitation programs can be just as effective in supporting patient recovery as face-to-face care, while offering more access and choice. “We need to invest more in prevention and community-based care,” said Dr Wilson.
The Heart Health at Home program, delivered by Amplar Health and powered by digital therapeutic technology from Cardihab, offers a 6 to 8-week rehabilitation experience including personalised weekly coaching, digital tracking, and lifestyle support. It is available free for Medibank customers recovering from heart issues.
Key outcomes from the study include:
- 91% program completion rate
- Physical activity more than doubled (from 128 to 300 minutes/week)
- Improvements in diet, BMI, systolic blood pressure and functional capacity
- Reduction in depression and anxiety levels
- Increased quality of life and self-management confidence
Associate Professor Melinda Carrington Head of Community Prevention and Cardiac Research at the Baker Institute, said: “Our analysis showed improvements across nearly all clinical, behavioural and lifestyle risk factors. Participants recorded a 71% reduction in hospital readmission days within 3 months, compared to a natural sample of patients who were eligible for cardiac rehabilitation but unlikely participated in rehabilitation as they did not have a cardiac rehabilitation insurance claim.”
“This gives us confidence that digital health with nurse coordinated care can play a major role in managing chronic disease.”
Dr Wilson added that the success of this program should prompt policy reform: “Innovations like Heart Health at Home show how virtual models can support patients and relieve stress on hospitals. It’s worth considering how similar approaches might be adapted for broader use in the health system.”
“Worldwide, healthcare is shifting—towards digitally enabled, personalised, and connected care. Australia needs to keep pace. We’re calling for greater investment in virtual programs that align with how people want to access care.”
About Heart Health at Home
- No extra cost for eligible Medibank customers after a recent cardiac procedure
- Delivered by Amplar Health and powered by Cardihab’s digital platform
- Includes one-on-one coaching, lifestyle support, and digital tracking tools
- Accessible anywhere in Australia via phone and app-based services
Media enquiries: Alice Ross (0421 741 737)
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