Cardiac Rehabilitation Enrollment Research Articles

Barriers to Outpatient Hospital-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation in Korean Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome.

ObjectiveTo investigate factors associated with enrollment and participation in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in Korea.MethodsPatients admitted to four university hospitals with acute coronary syndrome between June 2014 and May 2016 were enrolled. The Cardiac Rehabilitation Barriers Scale (CRBS) made of 21-item questionnaire and divided in four subdomains was administered during admission. CRBS items used a 5-point Likert scale and ≥2.5 was considered as a barrier. Differences between CR non-attender and CR attender, or CR non-enroller and CR enroller in subscale and each items of CRBS were examined using the chi-square test.ResultsThe CR participation rate in four hospitals was 31% (170 of the 552). Logistical factors (odds ratio [OR]=7.61; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.62–12.55) and comorbidities/functional status (OR=6.60; 95% CI, 3.95–11.01) were identified as a barrier to CR enrollment in the subdomain analysis. Among patients who were enrolled (agreed to participate in CR during admission), only work/time conflict was a significant barrier to CR participation (OR=2.17; 95% CI, 1.29–3.66).ConclusionDiverse barriers to CR participation were identified in patients with acute coronary syndrome. Providing the tailored model for CR according to the individual patient's barrier could improve the CR utilization. Further multicenter study with large sample size including other CR indication is required.

A Web-Based Tailored Intervention to Support Illness Management in Patients With an Acute Coronary Syndrome: Pilot Study.

BackgroundIllness management after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is crucial to prevent cardiac complications, to foster participation in a cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program, and to optimize recovery. Web-based tailored interventions have the potential to provide individualized information and counseling to optimize patient’s illness management after hospital discharge.ObjectiveWe aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a Web-based tailored intervention (TAVIE@COEUR) designed to improve illness management in patients hospitalized for an ACS. Illness management outcomes were operationalized by self-care, medication adherence, anxiety management, cardiac risk factors reduction, and enrollment in a CR program.MethodsThis posttest pilot study was conducted with one group (N=30) of patients hospitalized for an ACS on the coronary care unit of a tertiary cardiology center. TAVIE@COEUR comprises three Web-based sessions, with a duration ranging from 10 to 45 min and is structured around an algorithm to allow the tailoring of the intervention to different pathways according to patients’ responses to questions. TAVIE@COEUR includes 90 pages, 85 videos, and 47 PDF documents divided across session 1 (S1), session 2 (S2), and session 3 (S3). These sessions concern self-care and self-observation skills related to medication-taking (S1), emotional control and problem-solving skills (S2), and social skills and interacting with health professionals (S3). Throughout the videos, a virtual nurse (providing the intervention virtually) guides the participants in the acquisition of self-care skills. Patients completed S1 of TAVIE@COEUR before hospital discharge and were asked to complete S2 and S3 within 2 weeks after discharge. Feasibility indicators were extracted from the TAVIE@COEUR system. Data regarding acceptability (satisfaction and appreciation of the platform) and preliminary effect (self-care, medication adherence, anxiety management, risk factor reduction, and CR enrollment) were assessed through questionnaires at 1 month following discharge. Preliminary effect was assessed by comparing baseline and 1-month illness management variables.ResultsOf the 30 participants, 20 completed S1, 10 completed S2, and 5 completed S3. Good acceptability scores were observed for ease of navigation (mean=3.58, standard deviation [SD]=0.70; scale=0-4), ease of understanding (mean=3.46, SD=0.63; scale=0-4), and applicability (mean=3.55, SD=0.74; scale=0-4). The lowest acceptability scores were observed for information tailoring (mean=2.93, SD=0.68; scale=0-4) and individual relevance (mean=2.56, SD=0.96; scale=0-4). With regard to preliminary effect, we observed an overall self-care at 1 month following discharge score higher than at baseline (mean at 1 month=54.07, SD=3.99 vs mean at baseline=49.09, SD=6.92; scale-0-60).ConclusionsAlthough participants reported general satisfaction and appreciation of TAVIE@COEUR, acceptability and feasibility results show the need for further development of the Web-based intervention to enhance its tailoring before undertaking a full-fledged randomized controlled trial. This may be accomplished by optimizing the adaptability of TAVIE@COEUR to patients’ knowledge, needs, interests, individual capabilities, and emotional and cognitive responses during session completion.

A Qualitative Study of Participation in Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs in an Integrated Health Care System.

Despite strong incentives to use cardiac rehabilitation (CR), patient participation is low in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). This is paradoxical given that VHA is an integrated health care system that offers a range of CR programs which should logically reduce barriers to access to CR participation. The purpose of this study was to better understand the contextual factors that influence patient participation in CR and how patients consider factors together when making decisions about CR participation. Using a qualitative study design we examined patient and provider perceptions of CR across six VHA medical centers with high- and low-enrollment rates between December 2014 and October 2015. We conducted semistructured interviews with CR eligible patients who had both enrolled and not enrolled in CR (n = 16), cardiology providers who could refer patients to CR and CR staff who provided CR services (n = 15). Data were analyzed using grounded thematic techniques. We identified program and patient-specific factors related to CR participation. The four program factors were: program responsiveness to patient needs, CR schedule, specialized CR program equipment, and the CR program social environment. Program factors were primarily discussed by individuals associated with sites that had high CR enrollment rates. The patient-specific factor that promoted participation was patient perceptions of CR benefits. Disincentives to participation included competing conditions or obligations, logistical/cost challenges, convenience, and fear of exercise. CR participation entailed a complex process in which patients balanced factors that reinforced patient perceptions that CR was beneficial against factors that acted as disincentives to participation. CR participation was influenced by both program and patient factors. Patients weighed factors that fostered perceptions that CR was beneficial against factors that served as disincentives to CR participation when considering CR participation. High-enrollment sites may be better at countering disincentives to participate and/or improve patient perceptions of CR. Actionable ways to improve CR participation include encouraging providers to strongly and frequently endorse CR, educating patients about the importance and benefits of CR, emphasizing how exercises are individualized, supervised and monitored, educating patients about how CR is safe and effective, how CR offers peer support, and structuring CR programs to be responsive to patient needs in terms of duration, frequency, schedule, and location.

Impact Of Depression Or Anxiety On Enrollment In Cardiac Rehabilitation In Veterans

Impact Of Depression Or Anxiety On Enrollment In Cardiac Rehabilitation In Veterans

Influence of Depression on Utilization of Cardiac Rehabilitation Postmyocardial Infarction: A STUDY OF 158 991 MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES.

On the basis of several small studies, depression is often considered a barrier to cardiac rehabilitation (CR) enrollment and program completion. The purpose of this research was to examine the association between depression diagnosis and participation in CR in a large sample of Medicare beneficiaries with recent myocardial infarction (MI). This was a retrospective study of Medicare beneficiaries with an MI during 2008 (N = 158 991). CR enrollment was determined by the Carrier and Outpatient files using the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System #93797 or #93798. Depression diagnosis was obtained from the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) codes in the Medicare Provider Analysis and Review (MEDPAR), Outpatient and Carrier Files. The association between depression diagnosis and CR attendance was evaluated using multivariable logistic regression. Overall, 14% (n = 22 735) of the study population attended CR within 1 year of MI diagnosis. Twenty-eight percent (n = 43 827) had a diagnosis of depression, with 96% of cases documented before enrollment in CR. Twenty-eight percent with a diagnosis of depression compared with 9% without depression attended CR. In adjusted analysis, patients with depression were 3.9 (99% CI, 3.7-4.2) times more likely to attend CR compared with those without depression. Program completion (≥25 sessions) was more common in those with depression (56%) than in those without (35%) (P < .001). Diagnosis of depression in Medicare beneficiaries was strongly associated with attending CR and attending more sessions of CR compared with those without depression. Depression is not a barrier to CR participation after MI in Medicare beneficiaries.

A qualitative study exploring factors that influence enrollment in outpatient cardiac rehabilitation

Purpose: This study explored patients’ decision-making about whether or not to enroll in cardiac rehabilitation (CR), an underutilized program that is associated with significantly improved health outcomes.Method: Face-to-face interviews were conducted with acute coronary syndrome patients (n = 14) after referral to a local CR center, but prior to program enrollment. Thematic analysis was used to derive themes from interview transcripts.Results: Three themes emerged including anticipated benefit, perceived ability, and contextual influences. Participants believed key benefits of CR would be access to specialist health care providers, improved longevity, reduced cardiovascular risk, as well as improved motivation, accountability, learning opportunities, and general fitness. Participants were concerned about their ability to engage in and travel to exercise sessions, pay the program fee, and manage scheduling conflicts. Contextual influences on decision-making included health care provider recommendation, first impressions of the CR center, knowledge gaps about what CR entails, input from family and peers, and psychological distress.Conclusion: The period following CR referral but prior to enrollment represents an optimal opportunity to promote in-the-moment decisions in favor of CR. Patients report both positive and negative aspects of CR, suggesting individualized efforts to resolve ambivalence may increase program participation.Implications for RehabilitationCardiovascular disease is a leading cause of mortality worldwide.Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is an effective secondary prevention strategy to improve cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, but only a subset of eligible patients enroll.After referral but prior to enrollment, patients anticipate both positive and negative aspects of CR participation.Individualized efforts to resolve ambivalence, address knowledge gaps, and problem-solve barriers may increase uptake into CR programs.

Evolving Role of Exercise Testing in Contemporary Cardiac Rehabilitation.

Symptom-limited (maximal) exercise testing before cardiac rehabilitation (CR) was once an unambiguous standard of care. In particular, it served as an important screen for residual ischemia and instability before initiating a progressive exercise training regimen. However, improved revascularization and therapy for coronary heart disease has led many clinicians to downplay this application of exercise testing, especially because such testing is also a potential encumbrance to CR enrollment (delaying ease and efficiency of enrollment after procedures and hospitalizations) and patient burden (eg, added costs, logistic hassle, and anxiety). Nonetheless, exercise testing has enduring value for CR, especially because it reveals dynamic physiological responses as well as ischemia, arrhythmias, and symptoms pertinent to exercise prescription and training and to overall stability and prognosis. Moreover, as indications for CR have expanded, the value of exercise testing and functional assessment is more relevant than ever in the growing population of eligible patients, including those with heart failure, valvular heart disease, and posttransplantation, especially as current patients also tend to be more clinically complex, with advanced ages, multimorbidity, frailty, and obesity. This review focuses on the appropriate use of exercise testing in the CR setting. Graded exercise tests, cardiopulmonary exercise tests, submaximal walking tests, and other functional assessments (strength, frailty) for CR are discussed.

Comparison of factor structure models for the Beck Anxiety Inventory among cardiac rehabilitation patients

ObjectiveIndividuals with cardiovascular disease (CVD) experience greater rates of distress symptoms, such as anxiety and depressive symptoms, than the general population. These psychological outcomes have been linked to greater risk for negative outcomes following a cardiac event; however, research examining the relationship between specific components of anxiety and outcomes in CVD is limited. Further, prior research has not investigated the structure of anxiety symptoms in CVD. This study sought to compare previously established one, two, and four-factor models of the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) in individuals enrolled in cardiac rehabilitation (CR). MethodsOur sample included 208 individuals with CVD recruited during enrollment in a phase II CR program. Participants completed the BAI at enrollment in CR (Time 1) and again 12weeks later at CR completion (Time 2, n=151). ResultsConsistent with prior literature, 41% of our sample reported at least mild symptoms of anxiety (BAI>8), and the BAI proved to be a reliable measure within this sample (α=0.89). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) results indicated that a second-order model with four first order factors, consisting of cognitive, autonomic, neuromotor, and panic components, fit our data well. A multi-group CFA approach supported measurement invariance across time. ConclusionThese results suggest that anxiety following CVD can be evaluated based on cognitive, autonomic, neuromotor, and panic components as well as the encompassing anxiety construct.

Is There a Role for Cardiac Rehabilitation After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting? Treatment After Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery Remains Incomplete Without Rehabilitation.

Is There a Role for Cardiac Rehabilitation After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting? Treatment After Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery Remains Incomplete Without Rehabilitation.

Assessing Physician Barriers to Cardiac Rehabilitation Referral Rates in a Tertiary Teaching Centre

Introduction: Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) has a proven morbidity and mortality benefit, yet rates of referral remain low. We sought to elucidate the knowledge, utilization, referral, and endorsement practices of cardiac rehabilitation in a tertiary care centre. Methods: A 13-question survey was electronically distributed to all Internal Medicine residents, Cardiology residents and subspecialty fellows, General Internal Medicine attendings and Cardiology attendings practising in a tertiary care centre. The survey assessed the physicians’ knowledge of what CR entails, its benefits, patient eligibility and personal practices with respect to CR referral. Results: The survey was distributed to 153 physicians with a response rate of nearly 60 percent. Compared to their medicine counterparts, Cardiology residents and staff had significantly improved knowledge with respect to what CR entails and eligibility criteria for referral (6.92 vs. 6.11 out of 9, p=0.036; 12.04 vs. 10.76 out of 17, p = 0.013). Medicine residents and staff were less likely to be familiar with CR guidelines (72.02 vs. 32.69, p<0.01), and were less likely to discuss the importance of CR attendance with their patients (43.28 vs. 71.15, p=0.0002). A higher proportion of those in Medicine also reported being unsure of both how to refer eligible patients (59.12 vs. 13.46, p<0.0001) and which patients were eligible for CR (64.92 vs. 23.08, p<0.0001). Higher knowledge scores and familiarity with CR guidelines was associated with higher self-reported referral rates. Conclusion: This survey has identified clear physician barriers, most significant among internal medicine residents and staff. These barriers can help inform interventions to improve CR referral and enrolment rates.

Cardiac rehabilitation referral and enrolment across an academic health sciences centre with eReferral and peer navigation: a randomised controlled pilot trial

ObjectivesTo describe (1) cardiac rehabilitation (CR) referral across cardiac units in a tertiary centre with eReferral; (2) characteristics associated with CR referral and enrolment and (3) the effects of peer...

Abstract P310: Predictors of Phase III Enrollment in Participants Completing Phase II Cardiac Rehabilitation in a Large Urban Cardiac Rehabilitation Center

Background: Short duration of outpatient Phase II cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program is not sufficient to sustain benefits of CR. Participation in long-term Phase III CR improves exercise capacity and lipoprotein profile. Hypothesis: We examined the factors predicting Phase III CR enrollment in those who have successfully completed Phase II CR in a large urban CR center. Methods: 4714 participants who completed structured 36-session Phase II CR program from the year 2000 to 2014 were included in this retrospective study. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify demographic, socio-economic factors predicting Phase III CR enrollment. The Cochran-Armitage test was used to assess temporal trends in Phase III CR enrollment. Results: A total of 901, out of 4714 participants completing Phase II CR, enrolled into Phase III CR. Mean age was 65 years and 31% were females. Univariate predictors include age, race, education, occupation, income, return to work obligation, insurance status, weight loss, depression and anxiety, exercise duration, and metabolic equivalents (METs). On multivariable logistic regression, those with at least college education (Odds Ratio [OR] 1.5,95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07-2), depression (OR,1.5, 95% CI, 1.07-1.96), weight loss (OR, 1.03, 95% CI, 1.01-1.05) and attending more Phase II sessions (OR,1.06, 95% CI, 1.02-1.10) were more likely to enroll whereas those living &gt; 30 minutes from CR center (OR, 0.40, 95% CI, 0.20-0.75), with higher METs (OR,0.93, 95% CI, 0.87-0.99) and exercising longer (OR, 0.96, 95% CI, 0.93-0.99) were less likely to enroll. There is significantly increased temporal trend for Phase III CR enrollment (Z=11.34, P&lt;0.0001). Conclusion: In participants completing Phase II CR, higher education, depression and weight loss predict increased Phase III CR enrollment whereas increased distance from CR center or better exercise capacity predict decreased Phase III CR enrollment.

Association Between Early Cardiac Rehabilitation and Long-term Survival in Cardiac Transplant Recipients

ObjectiveTo determine whether participation in early cardiac rehabilitation (CR) after heart transplant (HTx) affects long-term survival. Patients and MethodsA retrospective review was conducted in 201 patients who underwent HTx at Mayo Clinic between June 1, 2000, and July 31, 2013. Patients were excluded with multiorgan transplant, no CR data, and follow-up less than 90 days after HTx. Demographic and exercise data at baseline before HTx were collected. Post-HTx exercise capacity, biopsy, CR data, and medications were collected at 1 through 5 and 10 years. ResultsOverall survival at 1, 5, and 10 years was 98%, 88%, and 82%, respectively; 29 patients died. Number of CR sessions attended in the first 90 days after HTx predicted survival in multivariate regression, controlling for baseline post-HTx 6-minute walk test (6MWT) results and rejection episodes (hazard ratio, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.82-0.97; P=.007). Additional univariate predictors of survival included pre-HTx 6MWT results, weight at HTx, and body mass index and systolic blood pressure at CR enrollment. Pre-HTx 6MWT results, body mass index, and post-HTx were associated with improvement in peak oxygen consumption. ConclusionThis report demonstrates, for the first time, an association between CR and long-term survival in patients after HTx. Further work should clarify the most beneficial aspects of CR.

Approaches to improve cardiac rehabilitation enrollment

Approaches to improve cardiac rehabilitation enrollment

Cardiac disease, cardiac rehabilitation and barriers to participation - an overview

Cardiac disease is the primary cause of death in the United States and throughout the world. Patients who suffer from cardiac disease are most often diagnosed with vessel disease specific to the coronary arteries. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a secondary prevention program designed to prevent the progression of this disease. A structured phase II CR program enhances the quality of life both physically and emotionally for patients with long-term outcomes; as such a program involves a comprehensive approach with the primary focus on the physical rehabilitation along with educational, psychological and social support. CR programs have shown promising results for improving clinical outcomes, yet participation remains disappointingly low. Barriers to participation have been identified as: gender, lack of physician referral, age, race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status. Recognizing and overcoming such barriers are necessary for the improvement of patient outcomes through increased CR enrollment and participation.

Cardiac Rehabilitation Enrollment and the Impact of Systematic Nursing Interventions for Postmyocardial Infarction and Stent Patients.

A randomized experimental design was used to determine the most effective intervention for enhancing cardiac rehabilitation (CR) enrollment for postmyocardial infarction and stent patients. The 104 subjects (70 males and 34 females; 23-87 years old) were patients with a discharge diagnosis of a myocardial infarction followed by a percutaneous coronary intervention, which included a percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and the placement of one or more coronary stents. Regardless of the intervention, patients who received face-to-face nursing interventions were more likely to enroll in CR than were patients who had indirect interventions, χ(2)(3) = 32.84, p < .001. Patients who experienced an entrance interview were most likely to enroll, χ(2)(1) = 86.80, p < .001. Direct logistic regression determined that the full model was statistically significant for all predictors, χ(2)(5), 105.56, p < .001, with the strongest predictor, the entrance interview, having an odds ratio of 1.73.

Abstract 16117: Nonresponders to Cardiac Rehabilitation and Outcomes

Introduction: Studies of coronary heart disease (CHD) and cardiac rehabilitation (CR) have traditionally focused on increasing enrollment in CR. We examine here the prognosis of patients who enrolled and completed CR, but saw no significant improvement in exercise capacity [nonresponders (NR)]. Hypothesis: Nonresponders have a poor prognosis. Methods: 780 CHD patients who completed CR with cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) before and after the intervention were divided according to improvement in exercise tolerance (ET; no change or decline vs improvement in metabolic equivalent). Mortality was tracked post CR for all patients; 1 to 161 months of follow-up (mean 6.4 years). Results: 243 (31%) subjects were NR. After adjustment for body mass index, age, gender, ejection fraction and baseline ET, lack of improvement in exercise capacity was associated with a statistically significant 55% increase in mortality (p=0.03; Figure 1). Higher age (OR 1.02; p 0.05) and baseline ET (OR 1.07; p 0.001) was significantly associated with being a NR, but depression, gender and ejection fraction were not significant risk factors. Conclusions: A substantial proportion of subjects referred to CR have no improvement in ET and comparatively demonstrate a poor prognosis. Further investigation into the identifying characteristics of this population is needed to examine if their prognosis can be altered.

Employment Status and Participation in Cardiac Rehabilitation: DOES ENCOURAGING EARLIER ENROLLMENT IMPROVE ATTENDANCE?

For patients hospitalized for a cardiac event, an earlier appointment to outpatient cardiac rehabilitation (CR) increases participation. However, it is unknown what effect hastening CR enrollment might have among employed patients planning to return to work (RTW). Using 2 complementary data sets from Henry Ford Hospital (HFH) and Mayo Clinic, we assessed when employed patients eligible for CR anticipated a RTW, the impact of an earlier appointment on CR enrollment, and the effect of employment status on the number of CR sessions attended. Patients at HFH attended CR at either 8 or 42 days (through randomization), whereas Mayo Clinic patients attended 10 days after hospital discharge per standard routines. Among 148 patients at HFH, 65 (44%) were employed and planned to RTW. Of these, 67% desired to RTW within 1 to 2 weeks, whereas 28% anticipated an RTW within 1 to 3 days. Home financial strain predicted nonparticipation in CR (P < .001) and was associated with an earlier planned RTW. Among 1030 patients at Mayo Clinic, 393 (38%) were employed. Employed (vs nonemployed) patients enrolled in CR 3.3 days sooner (P < .001), but attended 1.6 fewer CR sessions (P = .04). In employed patients from both health systems, an earlier (vs later) appointment to CR did not result in additional exercise sessions of CR. Employed patients plan to RTW quickly, in part because of home finances. They also enroll earlier into CR than nonemployed patients. Despite these findings, earlier appointments do not seem to favorably impact overall CR participation.

Women with Rheumatoid Arthritis: The Unspoken Risk Factor

Women with Rheumatoid Arthritis: The Unspoken Risk Factor

Factors associated with enrollment and adherence in outpatient cardiac rehabilitation in Japan.

Despite the effectiveness of cardiac rehabilitation (CR), the participation percentage is low in Japan. Therefore, we investigated factors associated with enrollment and adherence in outpatient cardiac rehabilitation (OCR) in Japan. This was a single-hospital, case-controlled study. During a 2-year study period, 544 patients were hospitalized for ischemic heart disease, heart failure, or open heart surgery, and recommended for in-hospital CR. Among them, 78 OCR participants and 179 randomly selected nonparticipants were included in the study. These 2 groups were compared to examine factors associated with OCR enrollment. In addition, OCR participants were divided into those who continued OCR for 3 months (adherence group) and those who did not (nonadherence group), and these 2 groups were compared to examine factors associated with OCR adherence. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted for both objectives and included sociodemographic, clinical, and OCR-related variables. OCR enrollment was significantly associated with younger age (OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.93-0.98) and shorter distance to the hospital (OR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.95-0.99). OCR adherence was significantly associated with a history of ischemic heart disease (OR, 6.03; 95% CI, 1.62-22.5) and prescription of antidepressants and/or sleeping pills (OR, 4.14; 95% CI, 1.07-16.0). The main factors associated with OCR enrollment and adherence were sociodemographic factors related to easier hospital access and clinical conditions that reflected high disease awareness, respectively.