Patients undergoing heart surgery often face risk factors such as smoking and lack of physical activity. Currently, these issues are mainly addressed after surgery, during cardiac rehabilitation. However, research shows that lifestyle interventions before surgery lead to better recovery and fewer complications. To integrate this approach into standard care, a large-scale cost-effectiveness study is essential.
The DCVA Project Group Eerder Beter is committed to making preoperative lifestyle interventions accessible to vulnerable patients. By moving part of the rehabilitation to preoperative care, thus using the waiting period as an active preparation phase, patients can enter and exit surgery in better condition. We aim to implement this approach on a national scale and evaluate its effectiveness both scientifically and practically, including for cost-effectiveness.
Collaboration to this end is crucial. The goal is to bring the already-ongoing initiatives together (where possible) and accelerate on a national scale. To do so, multiple meetings were held, in 2024 (2x) and 2025 (2x). The attendees, with different insights and expertise, spoke about the possibility of setting up a national study and the considerations to be taken. Following these meetings, the Project Group developed a plan.
The meetings highlighted tthat significant variation exists among hospitals regarding perioperative care pathways, including waiting times, patient interactions, and provided information. To address these differences and prepare for the national study, we visited the different Dutch heart centers to map variations in care. This work was funded by grants:
In 2026, we are finalizing the design and application of the national cost-effectiveness study.
For more information or to get involved, contact us at info@dcvalliance.nl
