Table 1.

Content of the socially differentiated cardiac rehabilitation intervention

	Standard cardiac rehabilitation	Expanded cardiac rehabilitation
Phase I Acute treatment until discharge	Start of medical and acute surgical treatment. Start of secondary prevention concerning medication, smoking, diet and exercise. Psychological and social support to patients and relatives.	Like standard cardiac rehabilitation
Phase II Discharge from hospital until return to vocational activities	5–6 weeks of cardiac rehabilitation. Three consultations with medical doctor. Four consultations with nurse. Two consultations with dietitian. 6–12 weeks of exercise course. Screening for depression and anxiety.	Like standard cardiac rehabilitation and: Extra 2 weeks of cardiac rehabilitation. One extra consultation with nurse. Sharing of patient’s own rehabilitation plan with general practice.
Phase III Further course after phase II	Referral to general practice. Information about activities in the municipal sector and in The Danish Heart Association.	Like standard cardiac rehabilitation and: Referral to half hour of preventive consultation in general practice. Referral to activities in the municipal sector and in The Danish Heart Association. Telephone follow-up 2 months after completion of phase II.