How can I effectively educate patients with PAD about the importance of supervised exercise therapy?

Educating patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) about supervised exercise therapy involves clear communication on its benefits and practical guidance.

• Explain that supervised exercise programmes are recommended for all people with intermittent claudication to improve functional status, quality of life, and reduce leg symptoms.

• Inform patients that the typical programme involves about 2 hours of supervised exercise per week over a 3-month period, encouraging exercise to the point of maximal pain, which helps improve symptoms.

• Discuss the importance of adherence to the programme and how it can delay or reduce the need for invasive treatments like angioplasty or surgery.

• Provide oral and written information tailored to the individual’s needs, including the causes and severity of their symptoms, risks associated with PAD, and the role of exercise in managing these risks.

• Address potential barriers such as motivation and comorbidities, and if supervised exercise is not feasible, advise on structured unsupervised or home-based exercise programmes, such as walking for 30 minutes three to five times per week, walking until symptoms develop, then resting.

• Reinforce the role of exercise alongside other cardiovascular risk factor management strategies like smoking cessation, diet, and medication adherence.

• Ensure patients understand how to manage pain during exercise and provide support for psychological aspects such as anxiety or depression related to their condition.

Providing access to NHS resources on PAD and ensuring ongoing support and review can empower patients to engage effectively with supervised exercise therapy.

References: ¹,²