Is patient-centred care for women a priority for policy-makers? Content analysis of government policies

BACKGROUND

Considerable research shows that women experience gendered disparities in healthcare access and quality. Patient-centred care (PCC) could reduce inequities by addressing the patient's clinical and personal needs. Healthcare policies can influence service delivery to optimise patient outcomes. This study assessed whether and how government policies recognise and promote PCC for women (PCCW).

METHODS

We analysed the content of English-language policies published in Canada from 2010 to 2018 on depression and cardiac rehabilitation - conditions featuring known gendered inequities - that were identified on government websites. We extracted data and used summary statistics to enumerate mentions of PCC and women's health.

RESULTS

We included 30 policies (20 depression, 10 cardiac rehabilitation). Of those, 20 (66.7%) included any content related to PCC (median 1.0, range 0.0 to 5.0), most often exchanging information (14, 46.7%) and making decisions (13, 43.3%). Less frequent domains were enabling self-management (8, 26.7%), addressing emotions (6, 20.0%) and fostering the relationship (4, 13.3%). No policies included content for the domain of managing uncertainty. A higher proportion of cardiac rehabilitation guidelines included PCC content. Among the 30 policies, 7 (23.3%) included content related to at least one women's health domain (median 0.0, range 0.0 to 3.0). Most frequently included were social determinants of health (4, 13.3%). Fewer policies mentioned any issues to consider for women (2, 28.6%), issues specific to subgroups of women (2, 28.6%) or distinguished care for women from men (2, 28.6%). No policies included mention of abuse or violence, or discrimination or stigma. The policies largely pertained to depression. Despite mention of PCC or women's health, policies offered brief, vague guidance on how to achieve PCCW; for example, "Patients value being involved in decision-making" and "Women want care that is collaborative, woman- and family-centered, and culturally sensitive."

CONCLUSIONS

Despite considerable evidence of need and international recommendations, most policies failed to recognise gendered disparities or promote PCC as a mitigating strategy. These identified gaps represent opportunities by which government policies could be developed or strengthened to support PCCW. Future research should investigate complementary strategies such as equipping policy-makers with the evidence and tools required to develop PCCW-informed policies.

Translation, Cross-cultural Adaptation and Psychometric Validation of the Korean-Language Cardiac Rehabilitation Barriers Scale (CRBS-K)

Objective

To perform a translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Barriers Scale (CRBS) for use in Korea, followed by psychometric validation. The CRBS was developed to assess patients' perception of the degree to which patient, provider and health system-level barriers affect their cardiac rehabilitation (CR) participation.

Methods

The CRBS consists of 21 items (barriers to adherence) rated on a 5-point Likert scale. The first phase was to translate and cross-culturally adapt the CRBS to the Korean language. After back-translation, both versions were reviewed by a committee. The face validity was assessed in a sample of Korean patients (n=53) with history of acute myocardial infarction that did not participate in CR through semi-structured interviews. The second phase was to assess the construct and criterion validity of the Korean translation as well as internal reliability, through administration of the translated version in 104 patients, principle component analysis with varimax rotation and cross-referencing against CR use, respectively.

Results

The length, readability, and clarity of the questionnaire were rated well, demonstrating face validity. Analysis revealed a six-factor solution, demonstrating construct validity. Cronbach's alpha was greater than 0.65. Barriers rated highest included not knowing about CR and not being contacted by a program. The mean CRBS score was significantly higher among non-attendees (2.71±0.26) than CR attendees (2.51±0.18) (p<0.01).

Conclusion

The Korean version of CRBS has demonstrated face, content and criterion validity, suggesting it may be useful for assessing barriers to CR utilization in Korea.

Eligibility, Enrollment, and Completion of Exercise-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation Following Stroke Rehabilitation: What Are the Barriers?

BACKGROUND

People after stroke benefit from comprehensive secondary prevention programs including cardiac rehabilitation (CR), yet there is little understanding of eligibility for exercise and barriers to use.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to examine eligibility for CR; enrollment, adherence, and completion; and factors affecting use.

DESIGN

This was a prospective study of 116 consecutive people enrolled in a single outpatient stroke rehabilitation (OSR) program located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

METHODS

Questionnaires were completed by treating physical therapists for consecutive participants receiving OSR and included reasons for CR ineligibility, reasons for declining participation, demographics, and functional level. CR eligibility criteria included the ability to walk ≥100 m (no time restriction) and the ability to exercise at home independently or with assistance. People with or without hemiplegic gait were eligible for adapted or traditional CR, respectively. Logistic regression analyses were used to examine factors associated with use indicators.

RESULTS

Of 116 participants receiving OSR, 82 (70.7%) were eligible for CR; 2 became eligible later. Sixty (71.4%) enrolled in CR and 49 (81.7%) completed CR, attending 87.1% (SD = 16.6%) of prescribed sessions. The primary reasons for ineligibility included being nonambulatory or having poor ambulation (52.9%; 18/34 patients) and having severe cognitive deficits and no home exercise support (20.6%; 7/34). Frequently cited reasons for declining CR were moving or travel out of country (17.2%; 5/29 reasons), lack of interest (13.8%; 4/29), transportation issues (10.3%; 3/29), and desiring a break from therapy (10.3%; 3/29). In a multivariate analysis, people who declined CR were more likely to be women, have poorer attendance at OSR, and not diabetic. Compared with traditional CR, stroke-adapted CR resulted in superior attendance (66.1% [SD = 22.9%] vs 87.1% [SD = 16.6%], respectively) and completion (66.7% vs 89.7%, respectively). The primary reasons for dropping out were medical (45%) and moving (27%).

LIMITATIONS

Generalizability to other programs is limited, and other, unmeasured factors may have affected outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

An OSR-CR partnership provided an effective continuum of care, with approximately 75% of eligible people participating and more than 80% completing. However, just over 1 of 4 eligible people declined participation; therefore, strategies should target lack of interest, transportation, women, and people without diabetes. An alternative program model is needed for people who have severe ambulatory or cognitive deficits and no home exercise support.

A bifactor model of the Beck Depression Inventory and its association with medical prognosis after myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVES

Evidence suggests that depression is associated with adverse outcomes in patients with myocardial infarction (MI). Some of the symptoms of depression may also be symptoms of somatic illness and these may confound the association between depression and prognosis. We investigated whether depression following MI is associated with medical prognosis independent of these somatic symptoms.

METHOD

The database of an individual patient data meta-analysis was used. Endpoints were all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events. Nine studies were included. Bifactor factor analysis included 13,100 participants and 7,595 participants were included in survival models. Dimensions were generated from the Beck Depression Inventory using factor analyses. The prognostic association was assessed using mixed-effects Cox regression analysis.

RESULTS

A bifactor model, consisting of a general factor and 2 general depression-free subgroup factors (a somatic/affective and a cognitive/affective), provided the best fit. There was a significant association between the general depression factor and all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.25; 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.17, 1.34], p < .001) and cardiovascular events (HR = 1.18; 95% CI [1.13, 1.23], p < .001). After adjustment for demographics, measures of cardiac disease severity, and health-related variables, the association between the general depression factor and all-cause mortality (HR = 1.14; 95% CI [1.04, 1.25], p = .003) and cardiovascular events (HR = 1.16; 95% CI [1.10, 1.23], p = .014) attenuated. Additionally, the general depression-free somatic/affective factor was significantly associated with the endpoints, while the general depression-free cognitive/affective was not.

CONCLUSIONS

A general depression factor is associated with adverse medical prognosis following MI independent of somatic/affective symptoms that may be partly attributable to somatic illness. (PsycINFO Database Record

Translation and evaluation of a comprehensive educational program for cardiac rehabilitation patients in Latin America: A multi-national, longitudinal study

OBJECTIVES

To translate, cross-culturally adapt and validate a comprehensive evidence- and theoretically-based CR education intervention in Latin America.

METHODS

First, best practices in translation and cross-cultural adaptation were applied through 6 steps. Then, the Spanish version was delivered to CR participants from programs in Colombia, Costa Rica and Peru for validation, such that the evaluation was pre-post, uncontrolled, pragmatic, observational, and prospective in design. Participants completed surveys assessing knowledge, health literacy, self-efficacy, and health behaviours. All outcomes were assessed pre-, and post-CR, as well as 6 months after CR completion.

RESULTS

After translation of the patient guide from English to Spanish, 5 of the 9 booklets were culturally adapted. Two-hundred and forty-nine patients consented to participate, of which 184 (74 %) completed post-CR, and 121 (48 %) completed final assessments. There was a significant improvement in disease-related knowledge pre- to post-CR, as well as in health literacy, self-efficacy, and health behaviours (all p < 0.05). These gains were sustained 6 months post-program. With adjustment, CR attendance (i.e., exposure to the education) was associated with greater post-CR knowledge (ß = 0.026; p = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

A patient education intervention for CR patients in Latin America has been validated, and wider implementation is warranted.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Application of this first-ever validated CR education program for Spanish-speaking settings may result in secondary prevention.

Non-symptom-related factors contributing to delay in seeking medical care by patients with heart failure: a narrative review

BACKGROUND

Delay in seeking timely medical care by patients with acute coronary syndrome and stroke has been well established in the literature, but less is known about delay in care-seeking behavior by patients with heart failure (HF). The purpose of this narrative review was to synthesize the literature regarding non-symptom-related factors that contribute to delay in seeking medical care for HF symptoms.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A literature search of Scopus, Medline, and Pubmed was conducted for published articles from database inception to July 2009. Available evidence has shown that non-symptom-related factors, such as HF severity, HF history, age, and ethnocultural background, were related to delay in certain studies; however, null results have also been reported. Other non-symptom-related factors, such as male gender, initial contact with a primary care physician, arriving in the emergency department by means other than ambulance, and patient responses such as self-care, low anxiety, and hopelessness, may play a role in longer delay.

CONCLUSIONS

Although this review identified several non-symptom-related factors that may be implicated in care-seeking delay, health care professionals should be vigilant in identifying all high-risk individuals and educating them about warning signs of HF. Moreover, access to outpatient chronic disease management programs that may have potential to reduce care-seeking delay behavior should be explored.

A Randomized Controlled Trial of an Exercise Maintenance Intervention in Men and Women After Cardiac Rehabilitation (ECO-PCR Trial)

BACKGROUND

Exercise maintenance interventions are needed for cardiac rehabilitation (CR) graduates to maintain moderate and vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA). We tested an exercise facilitator intervention (EFI) to promote exercise maintenance compared with usual care (UC) separately in men and women.

METHODS

This was a 3-site, randomized (1:1), parallel-group, superiority trial (ECO-PCR). CR graduates were stratified by site and sex and randomly allocated (concealed). EFI participants received a face-to-face introductory session, 5 small-group counseling teleconferences, and 3 personal calls from a trained facilitator over 50 weeks. In-person assessments were undertaken at baseline and 26 and 52 weeks after randomization. The primary outcome was weekly minutes of MVPA, measured by accelerometer. Secondary outcomes were exercise capacity, risk factors, quality of life, and enrollment in community-based exercise programs. Effects were tested with the use of linear mixed models.

RESULTS

A total of 449 CR graduates (135 women, 314 men) were randomised (n = 226 EFI, n = 223 UC). In the intention-to-treat analysis for men and for women, there were no significant effects for treatment or time on MVPA. In a planned secondary analysis that considered only those adherent to EFI (completed ≥ 66% of sessions; per-protocol), bouted MVPA (ie, in sustained bouts of ≥ 10 min) was higher in women in the EFI group (mean = 132.6 ± 135.2 min/wk at 52 weeks) compared with UC (111.8 ± 113.1; P = 0.013). Regarding secondary outcomes, in women, a treatment group main effect was observed for blood pressure (P = 0.011) and exercise capacity (P = 0.019; both per-protocol) favouring EFI; no other differences were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

In this trial of CR completers, an EFI showed promise for women, but was ineffective in men.

SENSE OF SELF IN THE NEW MILLENNIUM: MALE AND FEMALE STUDENT RESPONSES TO THE TST

The Twenty Statements Test (TST) measures how an individual locates the self within a social system, while providing an index of differentially organized self-related information across individuals. The TST was utilized to follow changes in North American self-conceptions from the early 1950s to the 1990s. The purpose of this study was to assess sense of self among 324 millennial undergraduate students using the four-referential frame coding scheme. Results supported the hypothesis that students represent their sense of self as primarily C mode (or reflective). There were no gender differences in social self-description. Findings are discussed in terms of comparative data, gender differences, and sociohistorical context.

Effect of cardiac rehabilitation on 24-month all-cause hospital readmissions: A prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Ageing populations and increasing survival following acute coronary syndrome has resulted in large numbers of people living with cardiovascular disease and at high risk of hospitalizations. Rising hospital admissions have a significant financial cost to the healthcare system.

AIM

The purpose of this study was to determine whether cardiac rehabilitation is protective against long-term hospital readmission (frequency and length) following acute coronary syndrome.

METHODS

Data from 416 Australian patients with acute coronary syndrome enrolled in the Anxiety Depression and heart rate Variability in cardiac patients: Evaluating the impact of Negative emotions on functioning after Twenty four months (ADVENT) prospective cohort study between January 2013-June 2014 was analyzed secondarily. Participants self-reported cardiac rehabilitation attendance over the 12 months post-discharge. All-cause readmission data were extracted from hospital records 24 months post-index event. The association between cardiac rehabilitation and all-cause readmission, frequency of readmissions, and length of stay was assessed using three methods (a) regression analysis, (b) propensity score matching, and (c) inverse probability treatment weighting.

RESULTS

Overall, 416 patients consented (53% of eligible patients), of which 414 (99.5%) survived the first 30 days post-discharge and were included in the analysis. Medical records were located for 409 participants after 24 months (98% follow-up rate). In total, 267 (65%) reported attending cardiac rehabilitation; there were 392 readmissions by 239 patients. Cardiac rehabilitation attendance was not associated with all-cause hospital readmission; however, it was associated with lower frequency of hospital admissions (odds ratio 0.53, 95% confidence interval: 0.31-0.91 p-value:0.022) and length of stay (coefficient -1.21 days, 95% confidence interval: -2.46-0.26; marginally significant p-value: 0.055) in adjusted models.

CONCLUSION

This study substantiates the long-term benefits of cardiac rehabilitation on readmissions, including length of stay, which would result in lower costs to the healthcare system.

A simultaneous test of the relationship between identified psychosocial risk factors and recurrent events in coronary artery disease patients

Psychosocial factors are increasingly recognized as risk indicators for coronary artery disease (CAD) prognosis and they are likely interrelated. The objective of this study is to simultaneously test the relationship between key psychosocial constructs as independent factor scores and recurrent events in CAD patients. There were 1268 CAD outpatients of 97 cardiologists surveyed at two points. Recurrent events or hospitalization in the intervening nine months were reported. Factor analysis of items from the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, the ENRICHD Social Support Inventory, and Hostile Attitudes Scale was performed to generate orthogonal factor scores. With adjustment for prognostic variables, logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the relationship between these factor scores and recurrent events. Factor analysis resulted in a six-factor solution: hostility, stress, anxiety, depressive symptoms, support, and resilience. Logistic regression revealed that functional status and anxiety, with a trend for depressive symptoms, were related to experiencing a recurrent event. In this simultaneous test of psychosocial constructs hypothesized to relate to cardiac prognosis, anxiety may be a particularly hazardous psychosocial factor. While replication is warranted, efforts to investigate the potential benefits of screening and to investigate treatments are needed.

Evaluating the Heart Wise Exercise™ program: a model for safe community exercise programming

Background

Greater availability of community exercise facilities is recommended to promote physical activity in the large number of people with chronic disease. The Heart Wise Exercise (HWE) program encourages existing community-based exercise facilities to build capacity to serve such patients, by working with interested facilities to ensure they meet safety criteria, and educating exercise leaders.

Methods

Using a piloted checklist, 45 HWE programs were audited for the six HWE criteria (outlined below) in the greater Ottawa and Toronto areas of Ontario, Canada. A survey was also administered to a convenience sample of HWE program participants (N = 127).

Results

Criteria 1: 71 % of leaders encouraged daily aerobic exercise; participants reported engaging in 194 min/week of aerobic exercise. Criteria 2: 100 % of programs incorporated a warm-up and cool-down, and 84 % encouraged self-monitoring during class. Criteria 3: 98 % of programs offered options for participants to exercise at their appropriate intensity. Criteria 4: HWE participants reported having chronic conditions including arthritis (41 %), osteoporosis (26 %) diabetes (8 %), heart disease (6 %) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (6 %). Criteria 5: 93 % of instructors offered health screening for participants. Criteria 6: 100 % of sites had automated external defibrillators, and 90 % of the instructors were aware of the documented emergency plan. The exercise leaders reported being ‘knowledgeable/comfortable/confident’ in providing exercise guidance to, and having clients with chronic health conditions; directing clients to other services; offering exercise intensity options; helping clients listen to their bodies; and, encouraging clients to provide information regarding their health. The participants reported being, on average, ‘somewhat happy’ to ‘very happy’ with HWE locations; program dates and times; leaders’ knowledge of disease and exercise; exercise intensity; cost; and, social aspect.

Conclusions

HWE programs are safe and appropriate for persons with varying chronic health conditions, and participants are satisfied with and will likely continue attending their HWE classes. Future efforts should be directed at increasing awareness of HWE programs among referring healthcare professionals and participants at risk of chronic conditions. The HWE training program should emphasize that HWE leaders regularly encourage self-monitoring and daily aerobic exercise, which is well-known to reduce the burden of many chronic diseases.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12889-016-2866-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

How is patient-centred care conceptualized in women's health: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

Gendered disparities in health care delivery and outcomes are an international problem. Patient-centred care (PCC) improves patient and health system outcomes, and is widely advocated to reduce inequities. The purpose of this study was to review published research for frameworks of patient-centred care for women (PCCW) that could serve as the basis for quality improvement.

METHODS

A scoping review was conducted by searching MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, SCOPUS, Cochrane Library, and Joanna Briggs index for English-language quantitative or qualitative studies published from 2008 to 2018 that included at least 50% women aged 18 years or greater and employed or generated a PCCW framework. Findings were analyzed using a 6-domain PCC framework, and reported using summary statistics and narrative descriptions.

RESULTS

A total of 9267 studies were identified, 6670 were unique, 6610 titles were excluded upon title/abstract screening, and 11 were deemed eligible from among 60 full-text articles reviewed. None were based on or generated a PCCW framework, included solely women, or analyzed or reported findings by gender. All studies explored or described PCC components through qualitative research or surveys. None of the studies addressed all 6 domains of an established PCC framework; however, additional PCC elements emerged in 9 of 11 studies including timely responses, flexible scheduling, and humanized management, meaning tailoring communication and treatment to individual needs and preferences. There were no differences in PCC domains between studies comprised primarily of women and other studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the paucity of research on PCCW, primary research is needed to generate knowledge about PCCW processes, facilitators, challenges, interventions and impacts, which may give rise to a PCCW framework that could be used to plan, deliver, evaluate and improve PCCW.

Cardiologists' charting varied by risk factor, and was often discordant with patient report

OBJECTIVE

To assess the completeness of cardiac risk factor documentation by cardiologists, and agreement with patient report.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

A total of 68 Ontario cardiologists and 789 of their ambulatory cardiology patients were randomly selected. Cardiac risk factor data were systematically extracted from medical charts, and a survey was mailed to participants to assess risk factor concordance.

RESULTS

With regard to completeness of risk factor documentation, 90.4% of charts contained a report of hypertension, 87.2% of diabetes, 80.5% of dyslipidemia, 78.6% of smoking behavior, 73.0% of other comorbidities, 48.7% of family history of heart disease, and 45.9% of body mass index or obesity. Using Cohen's k, there was a concordance of 87.7% between physician charts and patient self-report of diabetes, 69.5% for obesity, 56.8% for smoking status, 49% for hypertension, and 48.4% for family history.

CONCLUSION

Two of four major cardiac risk factors (hypertension and diabetes) were recorded in 90% of patient records; however, arguably the most important reversible risk factors for cardiac disease (dyslipidemia and smoking) were only reported 80% of the time. The results suggest that physician chart report may not be the criterion standard for quality assessment in cardiac risk factor reporting.

Traditional versus extended hybrid cardiac rehabilitation based on the continuous care model for coronary artery bypass surgery patients in a middle-income country: A Randomized Clinical Trial

OBJECTIVE

To compare traditional (1-month supervised) versus hybrid cardiac rehabilitation (CR; usual care) with an additional 3 months offered remotely based on the continuous care model (CCM; intervention), in coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) patients.

DESIGN

randomized controlled trial, with blinded outcome assessment.

SETTING

A major heart center in a middle-income country.

PARTICIPANTS

Of 107 eligible patients that were referred to CR during the period of study, 88 (82.2%) were enrolled (target sample size). Participants were randomly assigned 1:1 (concealed; 44 per parallel arm). There was 92.0% retention.

INTERVENTION

After CR, participants were given an app and communicated biweekly with the nurse from months 1-4 to control risk factors.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Quality of life (QoL; SF-36; primary outcome), functional capacity (treadmill test), depression, anxiety and stress (DASS-21) were evaluated pre-CR, after one month, and three months after CR (end of intervention), as well as re-hospitalization.

RESULTS

The analysis of variance interaction effects for the physical and mental component summary scores of QoL were <.001, favoring intervention (per protocol); there were also significant increases from pre-CR to 1 month, and from 1 month to the final assessment in the intervention arm (p-values<.001), with change in the control arm only to 1 month. The effect sizes were 0.115 and 0.248, respectively. Similarly, the interaction effect for functional capacity was significant (p<.001), with a clinically-significant 1.5 MET increase in the intervention arm. There were trends for group effects for the psychosocial indicators, with paired t-tests revealing significant increases in each at both assessment points in the intervention arm. At 4 months, there were 4 (10.3%) re-hospitalizations in the control arm, and none in intervention (p=.049). Intended theoretical mechanisms were also impacted by the intervention.

CONCLUSION

Extending CR in this accessible manner, rendering it more comprehensive, was effective in improving outcomes.

Sex differences in predictors of illness intrusiveness 1 year after a cardiac event

OBJECTIVE

This prospective study examined sex differences in illness intrusiveness and in baseline predictors of illness intrusiveness in cardiac patients' 1-year postcardiac event.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with a myocardial infarction (MI) or unstable angina (UA) completed a baseline questionnaire during their hospitalization (139 men and 104 women). Eighty-one men and 67 women completed the follow-up questionnaire 1-year postcardiac event. The questionnaire included measures of illness intrusiveness in three life domains, depressive symptomatology, social support, medical information, risk factors for heart disease, and sociodemographic information.

RESULTS

A MANCOVA with the three Illness Intrusiveness subscales as dependent variables, sex as the between-group factor, and partnership status as a covariate found a sex effect for the Intimacy subscale, but not for the Instrumental and the Relationships/Personal Development subscales. Men reported more intrusiveness in the Intimacy domain of their life as compared to women. After controlling for sociodemographic factors and risk factors for heart disease, hierarchical regressions indicated sex differences in baseline predictors of 1-year follow-up illness intrusiveness in the three life domains. For men, being satisfied with support from partner at baseline was associated with less intrusiveness in the Instrumental Life domain 1 year after the cardiac event. For women, surprisingly, more satisfaction with support from their partner at baseline was associated with more intrusiveness in their intimate lives 1 year after their cardiac event. In addition, emotional symptoms of depression at baseline were predictive of increased illness intrusiveness in Relationship/Personal Development and Intimacy domains for men and in Instrumental and Intimacy domains for women.

CONCLUSION

Support from partner may have a differential impact for men and women after a cardiac event. Depressive symptomatology during initial hospitalization, particularly emotional symptoms, is a prominent indicator of illness intrusiveness for both sexes 1 year after the cardiac event.

Effects of comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation on functional capacity in a middle-income country: a randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

Despite the growing epidemic of cardiovascular diseases in middle-income countries, there is insufficient evidence about cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in these countries. Thus, the effects of comprehensive CR on functional capacity and risk factors were investigated in Brazil, to test the hypothesis that it results in better outcomes than exercise-only or no CR.

METHODS

Single-blinded, randomised controlled trial with three parallel arms: comprehensive CR (exercise+education) versus exercise-only CR versus wait-list control. Eligible coronary patients were randomised in blocks of four with 1:1:1 concealed allocation. Participants randomised to exercise-only CR received 36 exercise classes; comprehensive CR group also received 24 educational sessions. The primary outcome was incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT) distance; secondary outcomes were cardiovascular risk factors. All outcomes were assessed at baseline and 6 months later. Analysis of covariance was performed on the basis of intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol.

RESULTS

115 (88.5%) patients were randomised; 93 (80.9%) were retained. There were improvements in ISWT distance from pretest to post-test with comprehensive (from 358.4±132.6 to 464.8±121.6 m; mean change=106.4; p<0.001) and exercise-only (from 391.5±118.8 to 488.1±106.3 m; mean change=96.5, p<0.001) CR, with significantly greater functional capacity with comprehensive CR versus control (ITT: mean difference=75.6±30.7 m, 95% CI 1.4 to 150.2). There were also reductions in systolic blood pressure with comprehensive CR (ITT: reduction of 6.2±17.8 mm Hg, p=0.04). There were no significant differences for other outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Results showed clinically significant improvements in functional capacity and blood pressure with CR, and significantly greater functional capacity with comprehensive CR compared with usual care.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT02575976; Results.

The impact of patient-healthcare provider discussions on enrollment in cardiovascular rehabilitation

OBJECTIVE

Secondary prevention programs such as cardiovascular rehabilitation significantly decrease the burden of cardiovascular disease, yet are under-used. The most successful strategy to promote cardiovascular rehabilitation utilization is systematic referral with a patient-provider discussion. This study investigated: (i) the elements of patient-provider discussions related to patient cardiovascular rehabilitation enrollment, and (ii) the frequency and correlates of these discussion elements.

DESIGN/PARTICIPANTS

This was a prospective study of cardiovascular patients and their healthcare providers. Discussions about "secondary prevention" were audio-recorded. Utterances were coded using the Roter Interaction Analysis System. Two months later, cardiovascular rehabilitation enrollment was ascertained.

RESULTS

Discussions between 26 healthcare providers and 50 patients were recorded, of whom 27 (54.0%) enrolled in cardiovascular rehabilitation. Participants were significantly more likely to enroll in cardiovascular rehabilitation when their healthcare providers offered less reassurance and optimism (odds ratio (OR) = 0.81), and when the patient asked more questions related to lifestyle (OR = 4.98). These were not common.

CONCLUSION

While caution is warranted due to the number of comparisons undertaken such that associations observed may be chance associations, these novel findings suggest that not overstating the beneficial effects of acute treatment, and allowing patients more time to ask questions about needed lifestyle changes should be investigated in future research.

Tai Chi workplace program for improving musculoskeletal fitness among female computer users

BACKGROUND

Workplace computer use has increased dramatically in recent years and has been linked to musculoskeletal disorders, a leading cause of work disability and productivity losses in industrialized nations. Tai Chi is a simple, convenient workplace intervention that may promote musculoskeletal health without special equipment or showering, yet no study has investigated Tai Chi as a workplace physical exercise for health promotion.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effects of a workplace Tai Chi (TC) intervention on musculoskeletal fitness and psychological well-being among female university employees who are computer users.

METHODS

The exercise program consisted of two 50 minute TC classes per week for 12 consecutive weeks during the months of May-August 2007. Fifty-two participants were enrolled in a class conducted on campus by a professional TC practitioner during the lunch hour. Socio-demographic characteristics, including information on age, marital status, ethnicity, job category and perceived overall health were collected from all participants. Fitness testing conducted by qualified personnel was assessed pre- and post-program. The tests included resting heart rate, resting blood pressure, anthropometric measures, musculoskeletal fitness and back fitness. Psychological well-being was assessed by the Perceived Stress Scale pre- and post-program.

RESULTS

There were significant positive results in several areas including resting heart rate, waist circumference and hand grip strength. Results showed that the TC program was effective in improving musculoskeletal fitness and psychological well-being.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant improvements in physiological and psychological measures were observed, even at the large class sizes tested here, suggesting that TC has considerable potential as an economic, effective and convenient workplace intervention.

Patient factors associated with attrition from a self-management education programme

OBJECTIVE

To examine utilization patterns of diabetes self-management training (DSME) and identify patient factors associated with attrition from these services at an ambulatory diabetes education centre (DEC).

METHODS

A retrospective medical chart review of first time visits (536) to the centre between 1 August 2000 and 31 July 2001 was conducted for patients with type 2 diabetes. Descriptive analyses were conducted to examine utilization patterns over a 1-year period. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify patient factors associated with attrition from DSME and non-use of group education among new patients.

RESULTS

Almost 50% of new patients withdrew prematurely from recommended DSME services over the 1-year period, and only 24.8% attended group education. Patient variables such as being older than 65 years of age, primarily speaking English, or working full or part-time were associated with attrition from DSME and non-use of group education when compared with middle aged, non-English-speaking, and non-working patients.

CONCLUSIONS

High DSME attrition rates indicate that retention needs to become a focus of programme policy, planning and evaluation to improve programme effectiveness. DSME tailored to the cultural and linguistic characteristics of the community, and convenient and accessible to working and older patients will potentially increase retention in and accessibility to these services.

Availability and characteristics of cardiac rehabilitation programs in one Brazilian state: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a recommended model of care for cardiovascular diseases; however, is not widely available and is underutilized, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

OBJECTIVES

To identify the CR programs available in one Brazilian state (Minas Gerais; MG) and describe their characteristics by funding type.

METHODS

In this multi-center descriptive study, CR programs were identified in four MG regions and 41 CR coordinators were sent a survey to report the characteristics of their programs, including CR components described in guidelines and barriers to patients' participation. Descriptive and comparative analysis between public and private programs were carried out.

RESULTS

Forty-one CR programs were identified, only 21.9% public. Nineteen completed the survey. The majority of CR programs offered initial assessment and physical training. Components of comprehensive CR programs that were rarely offered included treatment of tobacco dependence, psychological support and lipid control. Physical therapists were present in all CR programs. The six-minute walk test was used in most programs to assess functional capacity. Programs were located intra-hospital only in public hospitals. Phase 2 (initial outpatient) and phase 4 (maintenance) were offered significantly more in private programs when compared to public ones. The main barrier for CR participation was the lack of referral.

CONCLUSIONS

The availability of CR programs in MG state is low, especially public programs. Most programs do not offer all core components of CR.

A prospective examination of antidepressant use and its correlates in patients with acute coronary syndrome

BACKGROUND

Depression has been implicated in the occurrence of recurrent coronary events and cardiac or all-cause mortality in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients.

OBJECTIVE

The authors describe the frequency and type of antidepressant use and its correlates 18 months after ACS hospital discharge.

METHOD

A sample of 661 ACS inpatients, recruited from three hospitals, completed a sociodemographic survey and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and clinical data were extracted from charts. A mailed survey 9 months and 18 months post-discharge assessed self-reported antidepressant use, and the HADS was re-administered.

RESULTS

Approximately 9% of participants reported antidepressant use both 9 and 18 months post-hospitalization, with 77% concordance in usage over time. Participants most frequently reported using selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and least often tricyclics. Logistic regression revealed that antidepressant users were more likely to be anxious and have more comorbidity, and were less likely to work full-time, whereas number of medications, age, and marital status were not related.

CONCLUSION

Patients with comorbid physical and mental conditions who are unemployed may be more likely to receive an antidepressant because of greater depression symptoms or greater exposure to healthcare providers, which increases the potential for symptom recognition and treatment.

Cardiac rehabilitation availability and delivery in Brazil: a comparison to other upper middle-income countries

BACKGROUND

Brazil has insufficient cardiac rehabilitation capacity, yet density and regional variation in unmet need is unknown. Moreover, South America has CR guidelines, but whether delivery conforms has not been described.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to establish: (1) cardiac rehabilitation volumes and density, and (2) the nature of programmes, and (3) compare these by: (a) Brazilian region and (b) to other upper middle-income countries (upper-MICs).

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, a survey was administered to cardiac rehabilitation programmes globally. Cardiac associations were engaged to facilitate programme identification. Density was computed using Global Burden of Disease study ischaemic heart disease incidence estimates. Results were compared to data from the 29 upper-MICs with cardiac rehabilitation (N=249 programmes).

RESULTS

Cardiac rehabilitation was available in all Brazilian regions, with 30/75 programmes initiating a survey (40.0% programme response rate). There was only one cardiac rehabilitation spot for every 99 ischaemic heart disease patient. Most programmes were funded by government/hospital sources (n=16, 53.3%), but in 11 programmes (36.7%) patients depended on private health insurance. Guideline-indicated conditions were accepted in ≥70% of programmes. Programmes had a team of 3.8±1.9 staff (versus 5.9±2.8 in other upper-MICs, p<0.05), offering 4.0±1.6/10 core components (versus 6.0±1.5 in other upper-MICs, p<0.01; more tobacco cessation and return-to-work counselling needed in particular) over 44.5 sessions/patient (Q25-75=29-65) vs. 32 sessions/patient (Q25-75=15-40) in other upper-MICs (p<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Brazilian cardiac rehabilitation capacity must be augmented, but where available, services are consistent across regions, but differ from other upper-MICs in terms of staff size and core components delivered.