METs REPORT CARDS IN PHASE II CARDIAC REHAB: IMPROVING PATIENT ASSESSMENT AND OUTCOMES

https://youtu.be/HnLPLCndUFE INTRODUCTION: Peak metabolic equivalent of tasks (METs), reflecting the highest MET level achieved during a cardiac rehabilitation (CR) session, can be used to measure functional capacity improvement during CR. For every 1-MET increase during CR, total mortality is reduced by 25%. We hypothesized that using a “METs report card” including workload coaching, a corresponding MET level, and a METs for activities of daily living (ADLs) table would increase both peak METs assessment and the percentage of patients improving their peak METs by ≥40% throughout CR. METHODS: In December 2024, a single CR program located within a community hospital initiated a quality improvement project through the implementation of “METs report cards”. These cards were introduced at the third CR session and were discussed during Individualized Treatment Plan (ITP) reviews at sessions 12, 24, and 36. The report cards served as a visual aid for coaching and engaging in informative discussions with patients about the following: 1) Defining METs, 2) Baseline METs, 3) METs re-assessment, 4) METs & ADLs correlations, and 5) Setting METs goals. Further, peak METs were recorded in each ITP at sessions 3, 12, 24, and 36 to document progress. Additionally, CR staff reported the percentage of patients achieving the peak METs goal at monthly staff meetings. RESULTS: In 2025, 142 of 276 patients (51%) completed 36 prescribed CR sessions with a pre- and post-peak METs value recorded. 101 of 142 patients (71%) achieved a ≥40% peak METs improvement, with an average increase of 78%±59%. Whereas in 2024, 159 of 260 patients (61%) completed 36 prescribed CR sessions with a pre- and post-peak METs value recorded. 107 of 159 patients (67%) achieved a ≥40% peak METs improvement, with an average increase of 76%±60%. The implementation of the “METs report card” did not produce a statistically significant improvement in the average percent change in peak METs from pre- to post-CR (p=0.69). CONCLUSIONS: While the usage of “METs report cards” did not lead to statistically significant changes in pre- to post-CR peak METs, this tool proved to be highly valuable for patient education and engagement. Patients shared a lot of positive feedback with the staff regarding the visual tool to better understand their exercise progress. Staff observed enhanced patient engagement and comprehension during CR sessions. Further research should explore whether “METs report cards” can yield statistically significant improvements in peak METs among specific CR subpopulations.