Equipment Requirements for Outpatient Phase 2 Cardiac Rehabilitation Center
To establish an outpatient Phase 2 cardiac rehabilitation center, you must have exercise equipment (treadmills, stationary bicycles, elliptical trainers), continuous ECG monitoring systems, emergency resuscitation equipment with defibrillator, blood pressure monitoring devices, and a minimum 800 square foot space with appropriate environmental controls.
Core Exercise Equipment
Aerobic training equipment is essential and must include treadmills, stationary bicycles, elliptical trainers, rowing machines, stair climbers, and arm ergometers to accommodate the recommended exercise prescription of 3-5 days per week at 50-80% exercise capacity for 30-60 minutes 1.
Resistance training equipment must include elastic bands, cuff/hand weights, dumbbells, free weights, wall pulleys, or weight machines to enable 2-3 days per week of resistance exercise with 8-15 repetitions maximum for each muscle group 1.
Activity tracking devices including pedometers or accelerometers should be available, though these often require out-of-pocket payments 1.
Heart rate monitors help patients maintain fidelity to exercise prescriptions but may not be feasible for all patients due to cost 1.
Monitoring and Safety Equipment
ECG monitoring equipment with continuous display capabilities is mandatory, as exercise testing should include assessment of heart rate, rhythm, signs, symptoms, and ST-segment changes 1.
High-definition displays and monitors for real-time patient monitoring during exercise sessions are required 1.
Defibrillator/resuscitation cart must be immediately accessible in the testing and exercise areas 1.
Blood pressure monitoring equipment including multiple cuff sizes (neonatal, infant, child, adult small and large) for accurate measurements across patient populations 1.
Pulse oximeters with multiple site adhesive or reusable sensors for oxygen saturation monitoring 1.
O2 analyzer and oxygen supply with appropriate delivery systems (nasal cannulas, masks, tubing) 1.
Cardiovascular Assessment Equipment
Exercise testing equipment including treadmill or bicycle ergometer with capability for graded exercise protocols is essential, as evaluation should include a documented exercise test before participation that is repeated as clinical condition warrants 1.
Echocardiographic equipment and access to echocardiography services for comprehensive cardiac assessment 1.
24-hour ambulatory ECG monitoring (Holter monitors) and external/internal ECG loop recorder systems for arrhythmia detection 1.
24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring equipment 1.
Stress testing capabilities with appropriate monitoring 1.
Emergency and Support Equipment
Suction apparatus with multiple catheter sizes (#5, #8, #10, #14, tonsil) 1.
Oxygen delivery systems including bag-valve systems with oxygen reservoir, adult and pediatric masks, and flexible adaptors 1.
Intravenous access supplies including catheters (14- to 24-gauge), IV solutions (1000 mL normal saline, 1000 mL Ringer's lactate, 250 mL 5% dextrose), administration tubing, and infusion pumps 1.
Airway management equipment including oral airways (#0-4), nasopharyngeal airways (#26, #30), and endotracheal tubes if advanced airway management is anticipated 1.
Medications for cardiac emergencies must be readily available and current 1.
Physical Space Requirements
Minimum room size of 800 square feet (74.3 m²) to accommodate standard cardiac rehabilitation equipment, emergency equipment, and adequate patient access 1.
Well-lighted, clean, and well-ventilated space with temperature and humidity control to ensure patient comfort and safety during exercise 1.
Adequate power receptacles that meet equipment requirements, ideally with generator backup 1.
Wall-mounted clock with sweep second hand or digital counter for timing exercise intervals 1.
Large-print rating of perceived exertion scale (either 6-20 category scale or 1-10 category-ratio scale) mounted on wall in clear patient view 1.
Examining table with space for towels, tape, and patient preparation items 1.
Privacy curtain for patient preparation areas 1.
Adequate walking areas and emergency access routes that comply with local fire standards 1.
Additional Assessment Tools
Autonomic function testing equipment for comprehensive cardiovascular evaluation 1.
Thermometer, barometer, and hygrometer if performing ventilatory gas exchange testing 1.
Bathroom scales for weight monitoring as part of secondary prevention 1.
Glucometers for diabetic patients requiring glucose monitoring 1.
Patient Education Resources
Educational materials adapted to patient health literacy levels, including resources on eating well, exercising, weight loss, stress reduction, smoking cessation, and medication adherence 1.
Blood pressure monitors for patient education on home monitoring 1.
Pill organizers to support medication adherence 1.
Critical Considerations
A common pitfall is underestimating space requirements—the 800 square foot minimum must accommodate not only exercise equipment but also emergency equipment, monitoring stations, and adequate circulation space for emergency access 1.
Environmental controls are non-negotiable: inadequate ventilation, lighting, or temperature control compromises patient safety and exercise tolerance 1.
Emergency equipment must be immediately accessible, not stored in distant locations, as cardiac events during rehabilitation, though rare, require immediate intervention 1.
The facility should have preferential access to hospitalization and definitive therapies (pacemaker/ICD implantation, catheter ablation) should complications arise during rehabilitation 1.
Dedicated rooms for assessment and investigation are required—shared spaces compromise program efficiency and patient privacy 1.
Most patients can be managed as outpatients or day cases, but the facility must have clear protocols for when hospital admission is indicated 1.