28 The value of service promotion and cardiac rehabilitation (CR) champions on cardiology wards to increase referral to the CR service

<h3>Background</h3> The Myocardial Ischaemia National Audit Project (MINAP) summary report 2024 states: All patients with lower-risk NSTEMI heart attacks deemed to be caused by an acute coronary event should be reviewed by a specialist cardiology team during their initial admission. Hospitals not meeting the standard for referral to CR following heart attack should ensure early identification of suitable patients and referral. With National uptake of CR remaining disappointingly low (50%), efforts must be made to ensure referral and timely access to recommended treatment. <h3>Aim</h3> Understand number of missed referrals to University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust (UHL) CR, develop and evaluate a pathway for NSTEMI and further develop service promotion and staff education. <h3>Methods</h3> Service evaluation reviewed UHL CR referrals and missed eligible referrals from cardiology wards retrospectively on a monthly basis for: NSTEMI and STEMI patients with Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI). Data analysed 3-months prior and post intervention, December 2023. The Intervention involved disseminating information (e.g. flyers) to ward staff and utilising cardiology ward CR champions. Unified service promotion approach with Chest Pain Team and Consultant Cardiologists further promoted CR, ensuring all eligible patients were referred. <h3>Results</h3> Eligible patients (n=515) were evaluated between September 23 and March 24. December was omitted due to service and staff intervention. Table 1 shows total number of eligible patients’ versus those not referred. Average reduction of missed referrals was seen as 19% NSTEMI and 3% STEMI, 3-months after intervention, compared to 3-months prior. <h3>Conclusion</h3> This service evaluation measured: impact of service promotion and staff education on missed referrals to CR. For NSTEMI PCI, there was a 19% reduction in missed referrals to CR. By increasing uptake to CR and meeting NHS Long Term Plan ambitions, deaths, readmissions and healthcare costs could be reduced.