Disparities in Cardiac Rehabilitation Participation in the United States: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction and COVID-19, when the Sick Get Sicker: Unmasking Racial and Ethnic Inequities During a Pandemic

Minoritized racial and ethnic groups have the highest incidence, prevalence, and hospitalization rate for heart failure. Despite improvement in medical therapies and overall survival, the morbidity and mortality of these groups remain elevated. The reasons for this disparity are multifactorial, including social determinant of health (SDOH) such as access to care, bias, and structural racism. These same factors contributed to higher rates of COVID-19 infection among minoritized racial and ethnic groups. In this review, we aim to explore the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and its interconnection between heart failure and SDOH. The pandemic presents a window of opportunity for achieving greater equity in the health care of all vulnerable populations.

The iATTEND Trial: A Trial Comparing Hybrid Versus Standard Cardiac Rehabilitation

The improving ATTENDance (iATTEND) to cardiac rehabilitation (CR) trial tested the hypotheses that hybrid CR (HYCR) (combination of virtual and in-facility CR sessions) would result in greater attendance compared with traditional, facility-based only CR (FBCR) and yield equivalent improvements in exercise capacity and health status. Patients were randomized to HYCR (n = 142) or FBCR (n = 140), stratified by gender and race. Attendance was assessed as number of CR sessions completed within 6 months (primary end point) and the percentage of patients completing 36 CR sessions. Other end points (tested for equivalency) included exercise capacity and self-reported health status. HYCR patients completed 1 to 12 sessions in-facility, with the balance completed virtually using synchronized, 2-way audiovisual technology. Neither total number of CR sessions completed within 6 months (29 ± 12 vs 28 ± 12 visits, adjusted p = 0.94) nor percentage of patients completing 36 sessions (59 ± 4% vs 51 ± 4%, adjusted p = 0.32) were significantly different between HYCR and FBCR, respectively. The between-group changes for exercise capacity (peak oxygen uptake, 6-minute walk distance) and health status were equivalent. Regarding safety, no sessions required physician involvement, there was 1 major adverse event after a virtual session, and no falls required medical attention. In conclusion, although we rejected our primary hypothesis that attendance would be greater with HYCR versus FBCR, we showed that FBCR and HYCR resulted in similar patient attendance patterns and equivalent improvements in exercise capacity and health status. HYCR which incorporates virtually supervised exercise should be considered an acceptable alternative to FBCR. NCT Identifier: 03646760; The Improving ATTENDance to Cardiac Rehabilitation Trial - Full-Text View - ClinicalTrials. gov; https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03646760.

Experiences of older vulnerable people with ischemic heart disease and their peer mentors: A qualitative process evaluation

AIM

To understand the content and context of a realized peer mentor intervention, and to explore how mentors and mentees experienced the intervention.

DESIGN

The study was designed as a qualitative process evaluation of a 24-week peer mentor intervention.

METHODS

Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted from November 2021 to May 2022 in a purposeful sample of older vulnerable people with ischemic heart disease, referred to as mentees (n = 13), and their peer mentors (n = 12). Thematic analysis was used to analyse, categorize and interpret interview data.

RESULTS

Five themes captured the content and context of the peer mentor intervention as experienced by mentors and mentees. 'Takes one to know one', stressing the importance of the mentor-mentee matching process; 'Varying demand for mentors', illustrating the difficulties in predicting who has the greatest need for mentoring; 'Varying degree of familiarity', describing the mentor-mentee relationship as a continuum from formal mentor to informal friend; 'Putting the patient first', illustrating how mentors support mentees based on their personal experiences of successful recovery while letting the mentee set the pace and goals; and 'Varying view of success', showing how intervention success is perceived differently by mentors and mentees.

CONCLUSIONS

The study provides new knowledge on how and under what contextual circumstances a mentor intervention works. These findings are important for the implementation of future peer mentor interventions to achieve successful peer mentor support.

IMPLICATIONS AND IMPACT

Non-attendance and drop-out from the cardiac rehabilitation program are prevalent problems among older vulnerable people with cardiovascular disease. This study describes a low-cost peer mentor intervention that can support this group of patients.

REPORTING METHOD

Standards for reporting qualitative research (SRQR) guided our study.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

A board of cardiovascular patients have contributed to the development and implementation of the intervention being evaluated.

Acceptability, Preferred Medium, and Components of Nurse-Led Cardiac Telerehabilitation: A Cross-Sectional Study

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a comprehensive and multidisciplinary secondary prevention care in coronary heart disease (CHD). There are barriers at the patient and health system levels that prevent CR from being utilized. Cardiac telerehabilitation led by nurses (Ne-CTR) can alleviate the obstacles to participation in CR. A patient perspective can improve CR access. This study was the first pre-program investigation to clarify the status of knowledge and participation in CTR. We sought to clarify the acceptability, the reasons for rejection, the desired form, components, and associated factors with the components needed for (Ne-CTR) in patients with CHD. The study aimed to help develop a protocol for Ne-CTR for Chinese patients with CHD. A cross-sectional study was conducted between 2020 and 2021. Hospitals in four provinces in China were included. The participants were 671 patients with CHD in hospitals located in three regions of China. A self-administered questionnaire collected information about demographics, knowledge, and participation in CTR, acceptability, preferred medium, and components of Ne-CTR. Student's t-test, analysis of variance, and multiple linear regression analyzed the factors associated with component needs. All the analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS version 25.0. Most participants (n = 434, 66.77%) had a poor understanding and participation in CTR. In addition, 65.38% (n = 439) of participants were willing to accept the Ne-CTR program, and 43.56% (n = 98) identified safety as reasons for not accepting such a program. In the group accepting Ne-CTR, 35% chose hospital-designed professional applications as a medium for Ne-CTR when offered. Education (4.44 ± 1.056) and drug information (4.44 ± 1.040) had the highest average need score. Education, monthly income, marital status, previous CTR participation, and health insurance were associated with the demand level scores of Ne-CTR. This study demonstrated high levels of need for Ne-CTR among patients with CHD and identified the desired medium, components, and associated factors of Ne-CTR. These findings provide reference information for the construction of a Ne-CTR program.

Paving a Path to Equity in Cardiorenal Care

Cardiorenal syndrome encompasses a dynamic interplay between cardiovascular and kidney disease, and its prevention requires careful examination of multiple predisposing underlying conditions. The unequal distribution of diabetes, heart failure, hypertension, and kidney disease requires special attention because of the influence of these conditions on cardiorenal disease. Despite growing evidence regarding the benefits of disease-modifying agents (e.g., sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors) for cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic (CKM) disease, significant disparities remain in access to and utilization of these essential therapeutics. Multilevel barriers impeding their use require multisector interventions that address patient, provider, and health system-tailored strategies. Burgeoning literature also describes the critical role of unequal social determinants of health, or the sociopolitical contexts in which people live and work, in cardiorenal risk factors, including heart failure, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. This review outlines (i) inequality in the burden and treatment of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and heart failure; (ii) disparities in the use of key disease-modifying therapies for CKM diseases; and (iii) multilevel barriers and solutions to achieve greater pharmacoequity in the use of disease-modifying therapies. In addition, this review provides summative evidence regarding the role of unequal social determinants of health in cardiorenal health disparities, further outlining potential considerations for future research and intervention. As proposed in the 2023 American Heart Association presidential advisory on CKM health, a paradigm shift will be needed to achieve cardiorenal health equity. Through a deeper understanding of CKM health and a commitment to equity in the prevention, detection, and treatment of CKM disease, we can achieve this critical goal.

Lower-Socioeconomic Status Patients Have Extremely High-Risk Factor Profiles on Entry to Cardiac Rehabilitation

PURPOSE

Patients with lower socioeconomic status (SES) have higher rates of cardiovascular events, yet are less likely to engage in secondary prevention such as cardiac rehabilitation (CR). Given the low number of lower-SES patients entering CR, characterization of this population has been difficult. Our CR program specifically increased recruitment of lower-SES patients, allowing for careful comparison of medical, psychosocial, and behavioral risk factors between lower- and higher-SES patients eligible for secondary prevention.

METHODS

Demographic and clinical characteristics were prospectively gathered on consecutive individuals entering phase 2 CR from January 2014 to December 2022. Patients were classified as lower SES if they had Medicaid insurance. Statistical methods included chi-square and nonpaired t tests. A P value of <.01 was used to determine significance.

RESULTS

The entire cohort consisted of 3131 individuals. Compared with higher-SES patients, lower-SES individuals (n = 405; 13%) were a decade younger (57.1 ± 10.4 vs 67.2 ± 11.2 yr), 5.8 times more likely to be current smokers (29 vs 5%), 1.7 times more likely to have elevated depressive symptoms, and significantly higher body mass index, waist circumference, and glycated hemoglobin A 1c , with more abnormal lipid profiles (all P s < .001). Despite being a decade younger, lower-SES patients had lower measures of cardiorespiratory fitness and self-reported physical function (both P s < .001).

CONCLUSION

Lower-SES patients have a remarkably prominent high-risk cardiovascular disease profile, resulting in a substantially higher risk for a recurrent coronary event than higher-SES patients. Accordingly, efforts must be made to engage this high-risk population in CR. It is incumbent on CR programs to ensure that they are appropriately equipped to intervene on modifiable risk factors such as low cardiorespiratory fitness, obesity, depression, and smoking.

Self-Reported Executive Function in Hospitalized Cardiac Patients and Associations With Patient Characteristics and Cardiac Rehabilitation Attendance

PURPOSE

Executive function (ExF), the ability to do complex cognitive tasks like planning and refraining from impulsive behavior, is associated with compliance with medical recommendations. The present study identified associations between self-reported ExF and demographics of patients with cardiac disease as well as with cardiac rehabilitation (CR) attendance.

METHODS

Self-reported ExF impairment was measured using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) on 316 individuals hospitalized for CR-qualifying cardiac events. Scores were calculated for a global measure (Global Executive Composite [GEC]) and the two BRIEF indices: Behavioral Regulation Index and Metacognition Index (MCI). Participants were followed up post-discharge to determine CR attendance. Univariate logistic regressions between ExF measures and demographic variables were conducted, as were multiple logistic regressions to identify significant, independent predictors. Analyses were conducted using clinical (T scores ≥ 65) and subclinical (T scores ≥ 60) criteria for significant ExF impairment as outcomes. One-way analyses of variance were performed between ExF impairment and CR attendance.

RESULTS

Self-reported ExF deficits were relatively rare; 8.9% had at least subclinical scores on the GEC. Using the subclinical criterion for the MCI, having diabetes mellitus (DM) and being male were significant, independent predictors of MCI impairment. No significant relationship was found between ExF and CR attendance.

CONCLUSION

Using the subclinical criterion only, individuals with DM and males were significantly more likely to have MCI impairment. No significant effect of ExF impairment on CR attendance was found, suggesting that self-reported ExF measured in the hospital may not be an appropriate measure for predicting behavioral outcomes.

Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction and COVID-19, when the Sick Get Sicker: Unmasking Racial and Ethnic Inequities During a Pandemic

Minoritized racial and ethnic groups have the highest incidence, prevalence, and hospitalization rate for heart failure. Despite improvement in medical therapies and overall survival, the morbidity and mortality of these groups remain elevated. The reasons for this disparity are multifactorial, including social determinant of health (SDOH) such as access to care, bias, and structural racism. These same factors contributed to higher rates of COVID-19 infection among minoritized racial and ethnic groups. In this review, we aim to explore the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and its interconnection between heart failure and SDOH. The pandemic presents a window of opportunity for achieving greater equity in the health care of all vulnerable populations.

Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation in women with heart failure: a review of enrollment, adherence, and outcomes

Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is an evidence-based recommendation for patients with stable heart failure (HF). Less clear is how effective exercise-based CR is for women with HF. The aim of this review was to synthesize the evidence for the effects of exercise-based CR on mortality, hospitalizations, exercise capacity, and quality of life (QOL) among women with HF. We identified 18 studies comprising 4917 patients, of which 1714 were women. The interventions evaluated consisted of various combinations of supervised in-hospital and out-patient sessions as well as home-based programs that included aerobic (walking, treadmill, bicycle) and resistance training. The interventions ranged from 12 to 54 weeks, with a frequency of 2-7 sessions per week, lasting from 30 to 105 min per session. Because of a paucity of sex-specific analyses of the outcomes, it was not possible to draw conclusions for women. There was limited evidence for mortality benefit for men or women participating in exercise-based CR. There was more substantial evidence for reductions in hospitalizations for the participants. Generally, exercise training improved exercise capacity. The effects of exercise-based CR on QOL were mixed with most studies favoring CR at 3 months but not at 4, 5, and 12 months. Moreover, generally, the physical dimension of QOL but not the mental dimensions improved. Recommendations for future research to reduce the gap in knowledge about the effects of exercise-based CR for women are offered.

The impact of social deprivation on patient satisfaction in physical medicine and rehabilitation outpatient interventional spine and musculoskeletal medicine using the press Ganey® outpatient medical practice survey

Introduction

Multiple factors (patient age, wait time, depression, etc.) have been associated with lower patient satisfaction as assessed by the Press Ganey® Outpatient Medical Practice Survey (PGOMPS). Social deprivation has been shown to impact multiple aspects of patient care but its impact on patient satisfaction in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) is limited.

Objective

We hypothesized that increased social deprivation would independently predict lower patient satisfaction, as measured by the PGOMPS.

Design

Retrospective large cohort study.

Setting

Single tertiary academic institution.

Patients

Adult patients seen by PM&R physicians practicing outpatient interventional spine and musculoskeletal medicine who completed PGOMPS between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2019.

Interventions

Independent variables include: Social deprivation as measured by 2015 Area Deprivation Index (ADI), wait time, patient age, and sex.

Main outcome measure

Patient satisfaction was defined as receiving a perfect PGOMPS Total Score.

Results

A totla of 64,875 patients (mean age 52.7 ± 21.8 years, 41.4% male, mean ADI 29.9 ± 18.8) were included. Univariate analysis showed a decreased odds of achieving satisfaction for each decile increase in ADI (odds ratio 0.965; 95% confidence interval 0.957-0.973; p < 0.001). The most socially deprived quartile was significantly less likely to report satisfaction on PGOMPS compared to the least deprived quartile (91.1 vs 93.2; p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis revealed that the odds of achieving satisfaction was 0.99 (95% confidence interval 0.980 to 0.997; p = 0.009) for the Total Score, independent of age, wait time, and patient sex for each decile increase in ADI.

Conclusions

In this cohort, increased social deprivation independently predicted patient dissatisfaction in PM&R.

Clinical challenges facing patient participation in cardiac rehabilitation: cigarette smoking

INTRODUCTION

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is highly effective at reducing morbidity and mortality. However, CR is underutilized, and adherence remains challenging. In no group is CR attendance more challenging than among patients who smoke. Despite being more likely to be referred to CR, they are less likely to enroll, and much more likely to drop out. CR programs generally do not optimally engage and treat those who smoke, but this population is critical to engage given the high-risk nature of continued smoking in those with cardiovascular disease.

AREAS COVERED

This review covers four areas relating to CR in those who smoke. First, we review the evidence of the association between smoking and lack of participation in CR. Second, we examine how smoking has historically been identified in this population and propose objective screening measures for all patients. Third, we discuss the optimal treatment of smoking within CR. Fourth, we review select populations within those who smoke (those with lower-socioeconomic status, females) that require additional research and attention.

EXPERT OPINION

Smoking poses a challenge on multiple fronts, being a significant predictor of future morbidity and mortality, as well as being strongly associated with not completing the secondary prevention program (CR) that could benefit those who smoke the most.

Geographic Distribution of Central Nervous System Rehabilitation Treatment in Korea and Its Associated Factors

BACKGROUND

Health disparity is defined as a difference in the accessibility of medical resources among regions or other factors. In South Korea, there might be a disparity because of the low proportion of public medical institutions. This study aimed to investigate the geographic distribution of rehabilitation treatment and examine the factors associated with the rates of rehabilitation treatment in Korea.

METHODS

We used administrative claims data in 2007, 2012, and 2017 from the National Health Insurance Database in Korea. We defined physical therapy and occupational therapy as rehabilitation treatments and analyzed the rate of rehabilitation treatments for administrative districts in 2007, 2012, and 2017. Interdecile range and coefficient of variation were used to investigate the geographic distribution of rehabilitation treatment over time. We applied multiple random intercept negative binomial regression to examine the factors associated with rehabilitation treatment. A total of 28,319,614 inpatient and outpatient claims were submitted for 874 hospitals that provided rehabilitation treatment in 2007, 2012, and 2017.

RESULTS

The increase in the mean rates of physical therapy inpatients and outpatients was greater than those for occupational therapy inpatients and outpatients from 2007 to 2017. Both physical therapy and occupational therapy were concentrated in the Seoul Capital Area and other large urban areas. More than 30% of the districts received no rehabilitation treatment. The interdecile range and coefficient of variation for physical therapy declined more than those for occupational therapy from 2007 to 2017. The deprivation index was negatively correlated with physical therapy inpatients, physical therapy outpatients, occupational therapy inpatients, and occupational therapy outpatients. Furthermore, a 1-unit increase in the number of hospital beds per 1,000 people was associated with 1.42 times higher physical therapy inpatient, 1.44 times higher physical therapy outpatient, 2.14 times higher occupational therapy inpatient, and 3.30 times higher occupational therapy outpatient treatment.

CONCLUSION

To reduce the geographic inequality in rehabilitation treatment, it is necessary to narrow the gap between the supply and demand of rehabilitation services. Providing incentives or direct provisions from the government might be an alternative.

Association of Home-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation With Lower Mortality in Patients With Cardiovascular Disease: Results From the Veterans Health Administration Healthy Heart Program

Background Home-based cardiac rehabilitation (HBCR) and traditional facility-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs have similar effects on mortality in clinical trials and meta-analyses. However, the effect of HBCR on mortality in clinical practice settings is less clear. Therefore, we sought to compare mortality rates in HBCR participants versus nonparticipants. Methods and Results We evaluated all patients who were referred to and eligible for outpatient CR between 2013 and 2018 at the San Francisco Veterans Health Administration. Patients who chose to attend facility-based CR and those who died within 30 days of hospitalization were excluded. Patients who chose to participate in HBCR received up to 9 telephonic coaching and motivational interviewing sessions over 12 weeks. All patients were followed through June 30, 2021. We used Cox proportional hazards regression models with inverse probability treatment weighting to compare mortality in HBCR participants versus nonparticipants. Of the 1120 patients (mean age 68, 98% male, 76% White) who were referred and eligible, 490 (44%) participated in HBCR. During a median follow-up of 4.2 years, 185 patients (17%) died. Mortality was lower among the 490 HBCR participants versus the 630 nonparticipants (12% versus 20%; P<0.01). In an inverse probability weighted Cox regression analysis adjusted for patient demographics and comorbid conditions, the hazard of mortality remained 36% lower among HBCR participants versus nonparticipants (hazard ratio, 0.64 [95% CI, 0.45-0.90], P=0.01). Conclusions Among patients eligible for CR, participation in HBCR was associated with 36% lower hazard of mortality. Although unmeasured confounding can never be eliminated in an observational study, our findings suggest that HBCR may benefit patients who cannot attend traditional CR programs.

Long-Term Maintenance of Cardiorespiratory Fitness Gains After Cardiac Rehabilitation Reduces Mortality Risk in Patients With Multimorbidity

PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to characterize the impact of multimorbidity and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) on mortality in patients completing cardiac rehabilitation (CR).

METHODS

This cohort study included data from patients with a history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) completing a 12-wk CR program between January 1996 and March 2016, with follow-up through March 2017. Patients were stratified by the presence of multimorbidity, which was defined as having a diagnosis of ≥2 noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Cox regression analyses were used to evaluate the effects of multimorbidity and CRF on mortality in patients completing CR. Symptom-limited exercise tests were completed at baseline, immediately following CR (12 wk), with a subgroup completing another test at 1-yr follow-up. Peak metabolic equivalents (METs) were determined from treadmill speed and grade.

RESULTS

Of the 8320 patients (61 ± 10 yr, 82% male) included in the analyses, 5713 (69%) patients only had CVD diagnosis, 2232 (27%) had CVD+1 NCD, and 375 (4%) had CVD+≥2 NCDs. Peak METs at baseline (7.8 ± 2.0, 6.9 ± 2.0, 6.1 ± 1.9 METs), change in peak METs immediately following CR (0.98 ± 0.98, 0.83 ± 0.95, 0.76 ± 0.95 METs), and change in peak METs 1 yr after CR (0.98 ± 1.27, 0.75 ± 1.17, 0.36 ± 1.24 METs) were different ( P < .001) among the subgroups. Peak METs at 12 wk and the presence of coexisting conditions were each predictors ( P < .001) of mortality. Improvements in CRF by ≥0.5 METS from baseline to 1-yr follow-up among patients with or without multimorbidity were associated with lower mortality rates.

CONCLUSION

Increasing CRF by ≥0.5 METs improves survival regardless of multimorbidity status.

A Community-Informed Virtual World-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation Program as an Extension of Center-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation: MIXED-METHODS ANALYSIS OF A MULTICENTER PILOT STUDY

PURPOSE

Innovative methods for delivering cardiac rehabilitation (CR) that provide strategies to circumvent the mounting barriers to traditional CR have the potential to widen access to a well-established secondary prevention strategy. Our study assesses the feasibility and acceptability of a novel virtual world-based CR (VWCR) program, Destination Rehab , as an extension of a conventional center-based CR program.

METHODS

Adult cardiac patients hospitalized at Mayo Clinic hospitals with a diagnosis for CR and ≥1 modifiable, lifestyle risk factor target-sedentary lifestyle (<3 hr physical activity/wk), unhealthy diet (<5 servings fruits and vegetables/d), or current smoking (>1 yr)-were recruited. Patients participated in an 8-wk health education program using a virtual world (VW) platform from a prior proof-of-concept study and a post-intervention focus group. Primary outcome measures included feasibility and acceptability. Secondary outcome measures included changes from baseline to post-intervention in cardiovascular (CV) health behaviors and biometrics, CV health knowledge, and psychosocial factors.

RESULTS

Of the 30 enrolled patients (age 59.1 ± 9.7 yr; 50% women), 93% attended ≥1 session and 71% attended ≥75% of sessions. The overall VWCR experience received an 8 rating (scale 0-10) and had high acceptability. Clinically relevant trends were noted in CV health behaviors and biometrics, although not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The VWCR program is a feasible, highly acceptable, and innovative platform to potentially influence health behaviors and CV risk and may increase accessibility to disadvantaged populations with higher CV disease burdens.

Smartphone-based interventions in the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

A variety of reviews have indicated the effectiveness of smartphone-based interventions in preventing secondary cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, few studies have focused on clinical outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the potential benefits of application interventions and short message service (SMS) interventions on CVD outcomes.

METHODS

Electronic databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCT) investigating an application or SMS intervention for secondary CVD prevention. Primary outcomes included major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), cardiovascular death, and cardiac hospitalization. Secondary outcomes were cardiovascular risk factors (BMI, blood pressure, and cholesterol).

RESULTS

A total of 26 RCTs were included, with 16 investigating applications and 10 assessing SMS. Overall, there was no significant difference in MACE, cardiovascular death, and cardiac hospitalization when comparing application interventions with usual care, as well as comparing SMS with usual care. Subgroup analysis revealed that patients who received applications without a medical interface had a significantly lower incidence of MACE (OR = 0.56; 95% CI: 0.33, 0.98). Participants who received applications with a medical interface showed a tendency towards higher rates of cardiac hospitalization (OR = 2.03; 95% CI: 0.85, 4.87). Significant reduction in waist circumference (SMD =-0.80; 95% CI: -1.58, -0.03) was found in application interventions compared to usual care; while significant reductions in SBP (SMD =-0.08; 95% CI: -0.15, -0.01) and TC (SMD =-0.31; 95% CI: -0.57, -0.08) were found in SMS interventions compared to usual care.

CONCLUSION

Smartphone-based interventions, including applications and SMS, have the potential to benefit the secondary prevention of CVD. Applications may reduce the incidence of cardiovascular-related adverse events, while SMS interventions may improve cardiovascular risk factors.

The effect of a game-based mobile app 'MyHeartMate' to promote lifestyle change in coronary disease patients: a randomized controlled trial

Aims

Secondary prevention reduces coronary heart disease (CHD) progression. Traditional prevention programs including cardiac rehabilitation are under-accessed, which smartphone apps may overcome. To evaluate the effect of a game-based mobile app intervention (MyHeartMate) to improve cardiovascular risk factors and lifestyle behaviours.

Methods and results

Single-blind randomized trial of CHD patients in Sydney, 2017-2021. Intervention group were provided the MyHeartMate app for 6 months. Co-designed features included an avatar of the patient's heart and tokens earned by risk factor work (tracking, challenges, and quizzes). The control group received usual care. Primary outcome was self-reported physical activity [metabolic equivalents (METs), Global Physical Activity Questionnaire] and secondary outcomes included lipid levels, blood pressure (BP), body mass index, and smoking. Pre-specified sample size was achieved (n = 390), age 61.2 ± 11.5 years; 82.5% men and 9.2% current smokers. At 6 months, adjusted for baseline levels, the intervention group achieved more physical activity than control (median difference 329 MET mins/wk), which was not statistically significant (95% CI -37.4, 696; P = 0.064). No differences occurred between groups on secondary outcomes except for lower triglyceride levels in the intervention [mean difference -0.3 (95% CI -0.5, -0.1 mmoL/L, P = 0.004)]. Acceptability was high: 94.8% of intervention participants engaged by tracking exercise or BP and completing missions; 26.8% continued to engage for ≥30 days. Participants (n = 14) reported the app supported tracking behaviours and risk factors, reinforcing and improving self-care confidence, and decreasing anxiety.

Conclusion

A game-based app proved highly acceptable for patients with CHD but did not improve risk factors or lifestyle behaviours other than triglyceride levels.

Disparities in Geographic Access to Cardiac Rehabilitation in Los Angeles County

Background Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is known to reduce morbidity and mortality for patients with cardiac conditions. Sociodemographic disparities in accessing CR persist and could be related to the distance between where patients live and where CR facilities are located. Our objective is to determine the association between sociodemographic characteristics and geographic proximity to CR facilities. Methods and Results We identified actively operating CR facilities across Los Angeles County and used multivariable Poisson regression to examine the association between sociodemographic characteristics of residential proximity to the nearest CR facility. We also calculated the proportion of residents per area lacking geographic proximity to CR facilities across sociodemographic characteristics, from which we calculated prevalence ratios. We found that racial and ethnic minorities, compared with non-Hispanic White individuals, more frequently live ≥5 miles from a CR facility. The greatest geographic disparity was seen for non-Hispanic Black individuals, with a 2.73 (95% CI, 2.66-2.79) prevalence ratio of living at least 5 miles from a CR facility. Notably, the municipal region with the largest proportion of census tracts comprising mostly non-White residents (those identifying as Hispanic or a race other than White), with median annual household income <$60 000, contained no CR facilities despite ranking among the county's highest in population density. Conclusions Racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic characteristics are significantly associated with lack of geographic proximity to a CR facility. Interventions targeting geographic as well as nongeographic factors may be needed to reduce disparities in access to exercise-based CR programs. Such interventions could increase the potential of CR to benefit patients at high risk for developing adverse cardiovascular outcomes.

Comparison of Home-Based vs Center-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation in Hospitalization, Medication Adherence, and Risk Factor Control Among Patients With Cardiovascular Disease

IMPORTANCE

Prior studies have suggested that participation in home-based cardiac rehabilitation (HBCR) vs center-based cardiac rehabilitation (CBCR) results in similar clinical outcomes in patients with low to moderate risk; however, outcome data from demographically diverse populations and patients who are medically complex are lacking.

OBJECTIVE

To compare hospitalizations, medication adherence, and cardiovascular risk factor control between participants in HBCR vs CBCR.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This retrospective cohort study was conducted among patients in Kaiser Permanente Southern California (KPSC), an integrated health care system serving approximately 4.7 million patients, who participated in CR between April 1, 2018, and April 30, 2019, and with follow-up through April 30, 2020. Data were analyzed from January 2021 to January 2022.

EXPOSURES

Participation in 1 or more HBCR or CBCR sessions.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary outcome was 12-month all-cause hospitalization. Secondary outcomes included all-cause hospitalizations at 30 and 90 days; 30-day, 90-day, and 12-month cardiovascular hospitalizations; and medication adherence and cardiovascular risk factor control at 12 months. Logistic regression was used to compare hospitalization, medication adherence, and cardiovascular risk factor control, with inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW) to adjust for demographic and clinical characteristics.

RESULTS

Of 2556 patients who participated in CR (mean [SD] age, 66.7 [11.2] years; 754 [29.5%] women; 1196 participants [46.8%] with Charlson Comorbidity Index ≥4), there were 289 Asian or Pacific Islander patients (11.3%), 193 Black patients (7.6%), 611 Hispanic patients (23.9%), and 1419 White patients (55.5%). A total of 1241 participants (48.5%) received HBCR and 1315 participants (51.5%) received CBCR. After IPTW, patients who received HBCR had lower odds of hospitalization at 12 months (odds ratio [OR], 0.79; 95% CI, 0.64-0.97) but similar odds of adherence to β-blockers (OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 0.98-1.42) and statins (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.84-1.25) and of control of blood pressure (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.81-1.17), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.81-1.20), and hemoglobin A1c (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.82-1.18) at 12 months compared with patients who received CBCR.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

These findings suggest that HBCR in a demographically diverse population, including patients with high risk who are medically complex, was associated with fewer hospitalizations at 12 months compared with patients who participated in CBCR. This study strengthens the evidence supporting HBCR in previously understudied patient populations.

Tracking Cardiac Rehabilitation Utilization in Medicare Beneficiaries: 2017 UPDATE

PURPOSE

This study updates cardiac rehabilitation (CR) utilization data in a cohort of Medicare beneficiaries hospitalized for CR-eligible events in 2017, including stratification by select patient demographics and state of residence.

METHODS

We identified Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries who experienced a CR-eligible event and assessed their CR participation (≥1 CR sessions in 365 d), engagement, and completion (≥36 sessions) rates through September 7, 2019. Measures were assessed overall, by beneficiary characteristics and state of residence, and by primary (myocardial infarction; coronary artery bypass surgery; heart valve repair/replacement; percutaneous coronary intervention; or heart/heart-lung transplant) and secondary (angina; heart failure) qualifying event type.

RESULTS

In 2017, 412 080 Medicare beneficiaries had a primary CR-eligible event and 28.6% completed ≥1 session of CR within 365 d after discharge from a qualifying event. Among beneficiaries who completed ≥1 CR session, the mean total number of sessions was 25 ± 12 and 27.6% completed ≥36 sessions. Nebraska had the highest enrollment rate (56.1%), with four other states also achieving an enrollment rate >50% and 23 states falling below the overall rate for the United States.

CONCLUSIONS

The absolute enrollment, engagement, and program completion rates remain low among Medicare beneficiaries, indicating that many patients did not benefit or fully benefit from a class I guideline-recommended therapy. Additional research and continued widespread adoption of successful enrollment and engagement initiatives are needed, especially among identified populations.

The Association of Patient Educational Attainment With Cardiac Rehabilitation Adherence and Health Outcomes

PURPOSE

Participating in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) after a cardiac event provides many clinical benefits. Patients of lower socioeconomic status (SES) are less likely to attend CR. It is unclear whether they attain similar clinical benefits as patients with higher SES. This study examines how educational attainment (one measure of SES) predicts both adherence to and improvements during CR.

METHODS

This was a prospective observational study of 1407 patients enrolled between January 2016 and December 2019 in a CR program located in Burlington, VT. Years of education, smoking status (self-reported and objectively measured), depression symptom level (Patient Health Questionnaire), self-reported physical function (Medical Outcomes Survey), level of fitness (peak metabolic equivalent, peak oxygen uptake, and handgrip strength), and body composition (body mass index and waist circumference) were obtained at entry to, and for a subset (n = 917), at exit from CR. Associations of educational attainment with baseline characteristics were examined using Kruskal-Wallis or Pearson's χ 2 tests as appropriate. Associations of educational attainment with improvements during CR were examined using analysis of covariance or logistic regression as appropriate.

RESULTS

Educational attainment was significantly associated with most patient characteristics examined at intake and was a significant predictor of the number of CR sessions completed. Lower educational attainment was associated with less improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness, even when controlling for other variables.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with lower SES attend fewer sessions of CR than their higher SES counterparts and may not attain the same level of benefit from attending. Programs need to increase attendance within this population and consider program modifications that further support behavioral changes during CR.

Racial and Ethnic Differences in Cardiac Rehabilitation Participation: Effect Modification by Household Income

Background

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is associated with improved cardiovascular outcomes. Racial and ethnic differences in CR have been identified, but whether income may attenuate these disparities remains unknown. We evaluated (1) racial/ethnic differences in CR participation in a contemporary sample of insured US adults, and (2) assessed how household income modifies associations between race or ethnicity and CR participation.

Methods and Results

We identified 107 199 individuals with a CR‐qualifying diagnosis between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2018 in Optum’s de‐identified Clinformatics database. We evaluated associations between race or ethnicity and participation in CR, and assessed interaction between race or ethnicity and annual household income. The mean±SD age of all participants was 70.4±11.6 years; 37.4% were female and 76.0% were White race. Overall, 28 443 (26.5%) attended ≥1 CR sessions. After adjustment, compared with White individuals, the probability of attending CR was 31% lower for Asian individuals (95% CI, 27%–36%), 19% lower for Black individuals (95% CI, 16%–22%), and 43% lower for Hispanic individuals (95% CI, 40%–45%), all P<0.0001. The time to CR attendance was also significantly longer for Asian, Black, and Hispanic individuals. Associations between race or ethnicity and attendance at CR differed significantly across household income categories (P interaction=0.0005); however, Asian, Black, and Hispanic individuals were less likely to attend CR at all incomes.

Conclusions

In a geographically and racially diverse cohort, participation in CR was low overall, and was lowest among Asian, Black, and Hispanic candidates. Household income may impact the link between race or ethnicity and attendance at CR, but substantial racial and ethnic disparities exist across incomes.

Internal medicine resident education improves cardiac rehabilitation knowledge, attitudes, and referral rates: A pilot study

Background

Referrals to cardiac rehabilitation (CR) remain low despite evidence showing reduction in cardiovascular mortality and hospital readmissions. Resident education and awareness may be an opportunity to address barriers to CR referrals.

Methods

This pilot study involves 20 internal medicine residents rotating at an ambulatory primary care clinic. Voluntary surveys were sent through an online-based survey platform. Following survey completion, residents received a 10-minute scripted lecture and an educational handout outlining CR components, availability, indications, insurance eligibility criteria, and referral process. Surveys were redistributed 2 months post-education to assess changes in mean aggregate knowledge scores and attitude ratings on a 5-point Likert scale. CR referral rates of eligible patients pre- and post-education were obtained through review of electronic medical records.

Results

Sixteen (80%) residents completed both pre and post surveys, and 13 (81%) reported no education on CR in the prior year. There was a significant increase in mean aggregate knowledge scores on CR components (5.1 versus 7.0, P = 0.001), insurance coverage (2.4 versus 5.6, P< 0.001), and eligible diagnoses (7.1 versus 9.9, P = 0.03) following education. Attitudes towards CR also improved following education, particularly in self-reported comfort level with explaining CR to patients (3.69 versus 2.06, P<0.001) and perceived familiarity with CR referral process (4.00 versus 2.18, P<0.001). CR referrals increased from 0% (0 out of 10 eligible patients) to 33% (3 out of 9 eligible patients) over a 2-month period before and after education, respectively (P = 0.09).

Conclusions

Internal medicine resident knowledge and attitudes towards CR significantly improved after formal education. Although there was a modest increase in the rates of CR referrals following resident education, this pilot study was not powered to detect statistical significance.

Factors Associated With Cardiac Rehabilitation Participation in Older Adults After Myocardial Infarction: THE SILVER-AMI STUDY

PURPOSE

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a key aspect of secondary prevention following acute myocardial infarction (AMI). While there is growing evidence of unique benefits of CR in older adults, it remains underutilized. We aimed to examine specific demographic, clinical, and functional factors associated with utilization of CR among older adults hospitalized with AMI.

METHODS

Our project used data from the SILVER-AMI study, a nationwide prospective cohort study of patients age ≥75 yr hospitalized with AMI and followed them up for 6 mo after discharge. Extensive baseline data were collected on demographics, clinical and psychosocial factors, and functional and sensory impairments. The utilization of CR was collected by a survey at 6 mo. Backward selection was employed in a multivariable-adjusted logistic regression model to identify independent predictors of CR use.

RESULTS

Of the 2003 participants included in this analysis, 779 (39%) reported participating in CR within 6 mo of discharge. Older age, longer length of hospitalization, having ≤12 yr of education, visual impairment, cognitive impairment, and living alone were associated with decreased likelihood of CR participation; receipt of diagnostic and interventional procedures (ie, cardiac catheterization, percutaneous coronary intervention, and coronary artery bypass graft) was associated with increased likelihood of CR participation.

CONCLUSIONS

Demographic and clinical factors, as well as select functional and sensory impairments common in aging, were associated with CR participation at 6 mo post-discharge in older AMI patients. These results highlight opportunities to increase CR usage among older adults and identify those at risk for not participating.

Sex Differences in Cardiac Rehabilitation Outcomes

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in males and females in the United States and globally. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is recommended by the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology for secondary prevention for patients with cardiovascular disease. CR participation is associated with improved cardiovascular disease risk factor management, quality of life, and exercise capacity as well as reductions in hospital admissions and mortality. Despite these advantageous clinical outcomes, significant sex disparities exist in outpatient phase II CR programming. This article reviews sex differences that are present in the spectrum of care provided by outpatient phase II CR programming (ie, from referral to clinical management). We first review CR participation by detailing the sex disparities in the rates of CR referral, enrollment, and completion. In doing so, we discuss patient, health care provider, and social/environmental level barriers to CR participation with a particular emphasis on those barriers that majorly impact females. We also evaluate sex differences in the core components incorporated into CR programming (eg, patient assessment, exercise training, hypertension management). Next, we review strategies to mitigate these sex differences in CR participation with a focus on automatic CR referral, female-only CR programming, and hybrid CR. Finally, we outline knowledge gaps and areas of future research to minimize and prevent sex differences in CR programming.

Cardiovascular Disease Screening in Women: Leveraging Artificial Intelligence and Digital Tools

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in women. Given accumulating evidence on sex- and gender-based differences in cardiovascular disease development and outcomes, the need for more effective approaches to screening for risk factors and phenotypes in women is ever urgent. Public health surveillance and health care delivery systems now continuously generate massive amounts of data that could be leveraged to enable both screening of cardiovascular risk and implementation of tailored preventive interventions across a woman's life span. However, health care providers, clinical guidelines committees, and health policy experts are not yet sufficiently equipped to optimize the collection of data on women, use or interpret these data, or develop approaches to targeting interventions. Therefore, we provide a broad overview of the key opportunities for cardiovascular screening in women while highlighting the potential applications of artificial intelligence along with digital technologies and tools.

Sociodemographic, geographic and clinical factors associated with functional outcome and discharge location in US inpatient rehabilitation settings

OBJECTIVE

To assess the impact of sociodemographic factors, clinical factors and regional differences on both patients' functional outcome and discharge location in U.S. inpatient rehabilitation settings.

METHODS

Using eRehabData, 536,453 admissions was used for functional outcome analyses (based on FIM gain) while 259,308 admissions was used for the discharge location analyses. Regression models were used to look at both outcomes.

RESULTS

Having private insurance and being young and male was associated with the higher FIM gains while being African American, widowed, and living in the Midwest was associated with the lower FIM gains. Furthermore, having private insurance, being young, male, married and African American or Hispanic was associated with the lower odds of being discharged to a skilled nursing facility while living in the Midwest was associated with the greatest odds of being discharged to a skilled nursing facility. Clinical factors such as days from onset and length of stay also had a significant effect on both outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that, in the U.S., one of the challenges to successful recovery in the inpatient rehabilitation setting includes insurance status (Medicare/Medicaid), race (African American) but also regional differences (Midwest) and length of stay.

Enhancing participation in cardiac rehabilitation: Focus on underserved populations

Participation in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) significantly decreases morbidity and mortality and improves quality of life following a wide variety of cardiac diagnoses and interventions. However, participation rates and adherence with CR are still suboptimal and certain populations, such as women, minorities, and those of lower socio-economic status, are particularly unlikely to engage in and complete CR. In this paper we review the current status of CR participation rates and interventions that have been used successfully to improve CR participation. In addition, we review populations known to be less likely to engage in CR, and interventions that have been used to improve participation specifically in these underrepresented populations. Finally, we will explore how CR programs may need to expand or change to serve a greater proportion of CR-eligible populations. The best studied interventions that have successfully increased CR participation include automated referral to CR and utilization of a CR liaison person to coordinate the sometimes awkward transition from inpatient status to outpatient CR participation. Furthermore, it appears likely that maximizing secondary prevention in these at-risk populations will require a combination of increasing attendance at traditional center-based CR programs among underrepresented populations, improving and expanding upon tele- or community-based programs, and alternative strategies for improving secondary prevention in those who do not participate in CR.

Support Life Club: A New Model Based on Social Media Group Chats and Social Activities That Can Improve Adherence and Clinical Outcomes in Patients Receiving Cardiac Rehabilitation

AIM

To describe a new model, the Support Life Club (SLC), for participants of Phase II cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs and to evaluate this model for adherence, completion rates, and clinical outcomes.

METHODS

This retrospective study involved 391 consecutive patients who participated in an outpatient CR program between September 2016 and May 2020. The intervention group (SLC) was comprised of 198 patients who participated in education, WeChat-based group activity as well as outdoor activities, while the control group (non-intervention) was comprised of 193 cases. All patients attended a 12-week supervised outpatient CR program (three sessions per week, each lasting 40min). The intervention and control groups were compared for completion rates, Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test (CPET) results, Six-minute Walk Test (6MWT) distances, and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scores.

RESULTS

Patients in the intervention group attended at least 75% of the exercise training sessions more often than those in the control group (72.5% vs 40.41%, adjusted odds ratio (OR): 27.385; 95% CI: 10.2 to 73.6; P = 0.0000). Analysis of variance (2 × 2 ANOVA) revealed a significant group-by-time interaction in PHQ9 and 6MWT test results (p = 0.000).

CONCLUSION

The addition of SLC to a cardiac rehabilitation program resulted in better outcomes for PHQ9 and 6MWT tests and may be a useful strategy to improve exercise adherence.

A Review of Disparities in Cardiac Rehabilitation: EVIDENCE, DRIVERS, AND SOLUTIONS

PURPOSE

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) has been shown to improve functional status, quality of life, and recurrent cardiovascular disease (CVD) events. Despite its demonstrated compelling benefits and guideline recommendation, CR is underutilized, and there are significant disparities in CR utilization particularly by race, ethnicity, sex, and socioeconomic status. The purpose of this review is to summarize the evidence and drivers of these disparities and recommend potential solutions.

METHODS

In this review, key studies documenting disparities in CR referrals, enrollment, and completion are discussed. Additionally, potential mechanisms for these disparities are summarized and strategies are reviewed for addressing them.

SUMMARY

There is a wealth of literature demonstrating disparities among racial and ethnic minorities, women, those with lower income and education attainment, and those living in rural and dense urban areas. However, there was minimal focus on how the social determinants of health contribute to the observed disparities in CR utilization in many of the studies reviewed. Interventions such as automatic referrals, inpatient liaisons, mitigation of economic barriers, novel delivery mechanisms, community partnerships, and health equity metrics to incentivize health care organizations to reduce care disparities are potential solutions.

Referral and participation in cardiac rehabilitation of patients following acute coronary syndrome; lessons learned

PURPOSE

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) after hospitalization for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) has shown to reduce mortality, readmissions, and improve quality of life. CR is recommended by international guidelines but previous studies have shown low participation rates. Systematic CR referral might improve CR participation.

METHODS

The present study evaluates CR referral and CR participation of patients hospitalized for ACS in 2017 and treated according to local protocol, which includes systematic CR referral. Participation rate was divided into a group that finished the CR program and drop outs. In addition, factors associated with CR referral and participation rate were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 469 patients eligible for CR were included in the study, of which 377 (80%) were referred for CR and 353 (75%) participated in CR. Ninety percent of participants completed the CR program. Factors independently associated with CR referral included age (50-60 year vs. > 70 year: odds ratio [OR] 4.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.98-11.2), diagnosis (ST-elevation myocardial infarction vs. unstable angina: OR 17.7, CI 7.59-41.7), previous cardiovascular disease (OR 0.4, CI 0.19-0.73) and left ventricular dysfunction vs. normal function (OR 2.2, CI 1.11-4.52). A larger distance to the CR center was associated with lower CR participation (<5km vs. > 20 km: OR 3.1, CI 1.20-7.72).

CONCLUSIONS

Systematic CR referral in ACS patients results in high CR referral (80%) and participation (75%) rates. CR adherence might be further improved by increasing CR referral, especially in older patients and patients with NSTEMI or unstable angina.

Million Hearts Cardiac Rehabilitation Think Tank: Accelerating New Care Models

This article describes the October 2020 proceedings of the Million Hearts Cardiac Rehabilitation Think Tank: Accelerating New Care Models, convened with representatives from professional organizations, cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs, academic institutions, federal agencies, payers, and patient representative groups. As CR delivery evolves, terminology is evolving to reflect not where activities occur (eg, center, home) but how CR is delivered: in-person synchronous, synchronous with real-time audiovisual communication (virtual), or asynchronous (remote). Patients and CR staff may interact through ≥1 delivery modes. Though new models may change how CR is delivered and who can access CR, new models should not change what is delivered-a multidisciplinary program addressing CR core components. During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) public health emergency, Medicare issued waivers to allow virtual CR; it is unclear whether these waivers will become permanent policy post-public health emergency. Given CR underuse and disparities in delivery, new models must equitably address patient and health system contributors to disparities. Strategies for implementing new CR care models address safety, exercise prescription, monitoring, and education. The available evidence supports the efficacy and safety of new CR care models. Still, additional research should study diverse populations, impact on patient-centered outcomes, effect on long-term outcomes and health care utilization, and implementation in diverse settings. CR is evolving to include in-person synchronous, virtual, and remote modes of delivery; there is significant enthusiasm for implementing new care models and learning how new care models can broaden access to CR, improve patient outcomes, and address health inequities.

Cardiac Specialists' Perspectives on Barriers to Cardiac Rehabilitation Referral and Participation in a Low-Resource Setting

Background:

Cardiac specialists are arguably the most influential providers in ensuring patients access cardiac rehabilitation (CR). Physician barriers to referral have been scantly investigated outside of high-income settings, and not qualitatively.

Aim:

This study investigated cardiac specialists’ perceptions of barriers and facilitators to patient CR participation in a low-resource setting, with a focus on referral.

Methods:

In this qualitative study, focus groups were conducted with conventional content analysis. Thirteen of 14 eligible cardiac specialists working in Yazd, Iran, participated in 1 or both focus groups (n = 9 and n = 10, respectively). The recording of the first focus group was transcribed into a word file verbatim, and the accuracy of the content of all field notes and the transcripts was approved by the research team, which was then analyzed inductively. Following a similar process, saturation was achieved with the second focus group.

Results:

Four themes emerged: “physician factors,” “center factors,” “patient factors,” and “cultural factors.” Regarding “physician factors,” most participants mentioned shortage of time. Regarding “center factors,” most participants mentioned poor physician-patient-center coordination. In “patient factors,” the subcategories that arose were socioeconomic challenges and clinical condition of the patients. “Cultural factors” related to lack of belief in behavioral/preventive medicine.

Conclusions:

Barriers to CR referral and participation were multilevel, as in high-resource settings. However, relative recency of the introduction of CR in these settings seemed to cause great lack of awareness. Cultural beliefs may differ, and communication from CR programs to referring providers was a particular challenge in this setting.

Referral to and enrolment in cardiac rehabilitation after open-heart surgery in the Netherlands

AIM

Although referral to phase 2 cardiac rehabilitation (CR) following open-heart surgery is recommended in professional guidelines, according to the literature, participation rates are suboptimal. This study investigates the referral and enrolment rates, as well as determinants for these rates, for phase 2 CR following open-heart surgery via sternotomy.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey study was conducted among patients who underwent open-heart surgery via sternotomy in a university hospital. Data on referral and enrolment rates and possible factors associated with these rates (age, sex, type of surgery, educational level, living status, employment, income, ethnicity) were collected by a questionnaire or from the patient's medical file. Univariate logistic regression analysis (odds ratio) was used to study associations of patient characteristics with referral and enrolment rates.

RESULTS

Of the 717 eligible patients, 364 (51%) completed the questionnaire. Their median age was 68 years (interquartile range 61-74) and 82 (23%) were female. Rates for referral to and enrolment in phase 2 CR were 307 (84%) and 315 (87%), respectively. Female sex and older age were independently associated with both non-referral and non-enrolment. Additional factors for non-enrolment were surgery type (coronary artery bypass grafting with valve surgery and miscellaneous types of relatively rare surgery), living alone and below-average income.

CONCLUSION

Phase 2 CR referral and enrolment rates for patients following open-heart surgery were well over 80%, suggesting adequate adherence to professional guidelines. During consultation, physicians and specialised nurses should pay more attention to certain patient groups (at risk of non-enrolment females and elderly). In addition, in-depth qualitative research to identify reasons for non-referral and/or non-enrolment is needed.

Gamified applications for secondary prevention in patients with high cardiovascular disease risk: A systematic review of effectiveness and acceptability

INTRODUCTION

Gamified health mobile applications (apps) are promoted as innovative approaches to self-management and risk factor reduction. However, information is lacking on effectiveness or feasibility in older patients at high risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVD), which limits uptake and recommendations by nurses. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and acceptability of gamified apps for CVD secondary prevention.

METHODS

EQUATOR PRISMA checklist was used to guide the systematic review. PubMed, Embase and SCOPUS were searched from inception to January 2020 for studies evaluating app interventions incorporating ≥2 game tactics and targeting secondary prevention in patients diagnosed with heart disease, hypertension, stroke or type 2 diabetes. Narrative summaries of results were used as meta-analysis were not possible. The PROSPERO ID number was CRD42020209791.

RESULTS

Seven studies involving 657 patients were included. Gamified apps resulted in more improvement in physical activity, HbA1C and diabetes self-management empowerment compared to multiple different comparators, and more physical activity motivation compared to a neutral content control app. Heart failure knowledge also improved significantly. However, no benefits above usual care were evident for blood pressure or body mass index, or from app use for heart failure self-management, medication adherence or atrial fibrillation knowledge. App acceptability in terms of usage declined with time but was high for the game components of challenges, medication monitoring, viewing of leader boards and badges and walking training participation. Enjoyment was highest for elements that featured surprise/novelty, having teammates, challenges, good graphic design and clarity.

CONCLUSIONS

Gamified mobile apps show the potential to improve secondary prevention in high CVD risk patients. Indications for acceptability were evident, with higher adherence than clinic-based secondary prevention programmes. However, further well-designed randomised controlled trials, which track app usage are needed to confirm this potential and encourage nurses to recommend these types of apps.

Early cardiac rehabilitation: could it improve functional outcomes and reduce length of stay and sanitary costs in patients aged 75 years or older? A retrospective case-control study

BACKGROUND

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is considered as a cornerstone in improving physical function in older people after cardiac procedures; however, its effects in patients aged more than 75 years are still debated.

AIMS

To assess the effectiveness of early CR in improving functional outcomes and reducing the length of stay (LOS) and sanitary costs in patients aged ≥ 75 years.

METHODS

We retrospectively analysed data from medical records of patients aged ≥ 75 years performed CR after cardiac procedures. Patients were divided into two groups according to the median timing lasting from the cardiac procedure and CR start: 'early rehabilitation' (< 8 days) and 'delayed rehabilitation' (≥ 8 days). Six-minutes walking test (6MWT), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), LOS, and sanitary costs were assessed.

RESULTS

The 160 patients (mean aged 79.18 ± 3.13 years) included were divided into two groups: 'early rehabilitation' (n = 80) and 'delayed rehabilitation' (n = 80). Both groups showed a significant improvement (p < 0.0001) in 6MWT and LVEF but there were no differences between groups in all clinical outcomes. On the other hand, the 'early rehabilitation' group showed significantly lower LOS (25.8 ± 5.3 vs 34.1 ± 10.8 days; p < 0.0001) and sanitary costs (22,282.08 ± 3242.68 euros vs. 44,954.03 ± 22,160.11 euros; p < 0.0001).

DISCUSSION

Beginning CR in the first week seems to be effective in improving physical performance after cardiac procedures in patients aged ≥ 75 years, reducing LOS and sanitary costs.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that early CR could be performed with positive effects on functional outcomes, leading to a reduction in LOS and sanitary costs in elderly.

Racial/Ethnic and Gender Disparities in Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review highlights variability in prescribing of nonpharmacologic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) therapies by race, ethnicity, and gender. The review also explores the evidence underlying these inequalities as well as potential mitigation strategies.

RECENT FINDINGS

There have been major advances in HF therapies that have led to improved overall survival of HF patients. However, racial and ethnic groups of color and women have not received equitable access to these therapies. Patients of color and women are less likely to receive nonpharmacologic therapies for HFrEF than White patients and men. Therapies including exercise rehabilitation, percutaneous transcatheter mitral valve repair, cardiac resynchronization therapy, heart transplant, and ventricular assist devices all have proven efficacy in patients of color and women but remain underprescribed. Outcomes with most nonpharmacologic therapy are similar or better among patients of color and women than White patients and men. System-level changes are urgently needed to achieve equity in access to nonpharmacologic HFrEF therapies by race, ethnicity, and gender.

Disparities in Health Care for Black Patients in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in the United States: A Narrative Review

Racial health disparities continue to disproportionately affect Black persons in the United States. Black individuals also have increased risk of worse outcomes associated with social determinants of health including socioeconomic factors such as income, education, and employment. This narrative review included studies originally spanning a period of approximately one decade (December 2009-December 2019) from online databases and with subsequent updates though June 2020. The findings to date suggest pervasive inequities across common conditions and injuries in physical medicine and rehabilitation for this group compared to other racial/ethnic groups. We found health disparities across several domains for Black persons with stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, hip/knee osteoarthritis, and fractures, as well as cardiovascular and pulmonary disease. Although more research is needed, some contributing factors include low access to rehabilitation care, fewer referrals, lower utilization rates, perceived bias, and more self-reliance, even after adjusting for hospital characteristics, age, disease severity, and relevant socioeconomic variables. Some studies found that Black individuals were less likely to receive care that was concordant with clinical guidelines per the reported literature. Our review highlights many gaps in the literature on racial disparities that are particularly notable in cardiac, pulmonary, and critical care rehabilitation. Clinicians, researchers, and policy makers should therefore consider race and ethnicity as important factors as we strive to optimize rehabilitation care for an increasingly diverse U.S. population.

Depression Is Associated With Reduced Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation Completion Rates: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

PURPOSE

Depression is associated with recurrent cardiac events and death in patients with coronary heart disease and congestive heart failure. Furthermore, depression may be associated with reduced completion of outpatient cardiac rehabilitation (CR), an empirically supported treatment for patients with coronary heart disease and congestive heart failure that reduces recurrent coronary events and cardiac mortality. The goal of the current systematic review and meta-analysis was to explore the association between depression and outpatient CR completion.

METHOD

A systematic literature review cross-referenced 3 electronic databases (PsycINFO, MEDLINE, and Dissertation Abstracts International) from inception through February 15, 2015. Studies quantifying an association between depression and outpatient CR completion were identified for review. A random-effects model was used to pool quantitative data, moderators were tested, and publication bias was analyzed.

RESULTS

Seventeen studies with 19 independent samples consisting of 30 586 cardiac patients were included in the meta-analysis. A moderate inverse relationship between depression and outpatient CR completion was observed (g = -0.44; 95% CI, -0.59 to -0.29), indicating that depressed CR patients were significantly less likely to complete their prescribed CR programs. No significant moderator variables were identified. A minor amount of publication bias was detected.

CONCLUSION

Depression is associated with reduced outpatient CR completion rates. Future research should focus on attendance interventions for depressed CR patients, as completion of outpatient CR reduces cardiac and all-cause mortality.

Determinants of participation in a post-hospitalization physical exercise program for older adults

Background

Older patients often experience a decline in physical function and cognitive status after hospitalization. Although interventions involving physical exercise are effective in improving functional performance, participation in physical exercise interventions among older individuals is low. We aimed to identify factors that contribute to exercise refusal among post-hospitalized older patients.

Methods

A cross-sectional study of recruitment data from a randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 495 hospitalized people ≥70 years old. Sociodemographic and clinical data were obtained from the Basque Public Health System database. We determined physical function with the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), nutritional status with the Mini-Nutritional Assessment, frailty according to the Fried phenotype criteria, and cognitive function with the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (SPMSQ). Student’s t, Mann-Whitney U, or chi-squared tests were applied for bivariate analysis. Parameters significantly associated with participation were introduced in a logistic multivariate regression model.

Results

Among the analyzed patients, 88.8% declined participation in the physical exercise program. Multivariate regression revealed that older age (OR: 1.13; 95% CI: 1.07–1.19), poor nutritional status (OR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.69–0.95), and reduced home accessibility (OR: 0.27; 95% CI: 0.08–0.94) were predictors of participation refusal. Moreover, patients who declined participation had worse performance on the SPPB (P < 0.05) and its tests of balance, leg strength, and walking speed (P < 0.05). No differences were found between groups in other variables.

Conclusions

This study confirms low participation of older adults in a post-hospitalization physical exercise program. Non-participation was associated with increased age, poor nutritional status, and reduced home accessibility. Our findings support the need for intervention design that accounts for these factors to increase older patient participation in beneficial exercise programs.

Trial registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12619000093189, (date: January 22, 2019, retrospectively registered).

Increasing Use of Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Traditional and Community Settings: OPPORTUNITIES TO REDUCE HEALTH CARE DISPARITIES

Although both cardiac rehabilitation (CR) and pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) are recommended by clinical practice guidelines and covered by most insurers, they remain severely underutilized. To address this problem, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), in collaboration with the National Institute on Aging (NIA), developed Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs) in late 2017 to support phase II clinical trials to increase the uptake of CR and PR in traditional and community settings. The objectives of these FOAs were to (1) test strategies that will lead to increased use of CR and PR in the US population who are eligible based on clinical guidelines; (2) test strategies to reduce disparities in the use of CR and PR based on age, gender, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic status; and (3) test whether increased use of CR and PR, whether by traditional center-based or new models, is accompanied by improvements in relevant clinical and patient-centered outcomes, including exercise capacity, cardiovascular and pulmonary risk factors, and quality of life. Five NHLBI grants and a single NIA grant were funded in the summer of 2018 for this CR/PR collaborative initiative. A brief description of the research to be developed in each grant is provided.

Mobile Health Monitoring of Cardiac Status

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are responsible for more deaths than any other cause, with coronary heart disease and stroke accounting for two-thirds of those deaths. Morbidity and mortality due to CVD are largely preventable, through either primary prevention of disease or secondary prevention of cardiac events. Monitoring cardiac status in healthy and diseased cardiovascular systems has the potential to dramatically reduce cardiac illness and injury. Smart technology in concert with mobile health platforms is creating an environment where timely prevention of and response to cardiac events are becoming a reality.

Participants' Perspectives of a Primary Exercise-Based Prevention Program for Cardiac Patients: A Prepost Intervention Qualitative Case Study

Perseverance in exercise-based, cardiovascular disease prevention programs is generally very low. The purpose of this case study is to understand the experience of participants enrolled in a 6-month primary and secondary exercise-focused, cardiovascular disease prevention out of hospital program. Ten participants were interviewed about their experiences at entry and after it ended 6 months later to understand the facilitators and difficulties encountered by participants in such exercise programs. Four out of ten participants completed the 6-month program. The six participants who left the program accepted to contribute to the postprogram interview. The results showed that the four participants who persevered in the program became aware of cardiac risk factors and their conditions were willing to make changes in their lifestyles to reach their objectives, felt a strong perception of self-efficacy, and felt like they belonged in the program. Both persevering and nonpersevering participants experienced many episodes of discouragement during the program and faced many barriers that interfered with their progress. Suggestions to help coping with these barriers while reinforcing self-efficacy and the sentiment of belonging are discussed.

Integrating Science, Practice, and Mentorship in Cardiac Rehabilitation: THE INAUGURAL TOTALCARDIOLOGY® RESEARCH NETWORK RETREAT

The evidence base supporting cardiac rehabilitation is substantial and overwhelmingly supports its utilization for all qualified patients. However, important lines of inquiry remain and require attention. This commentary provides a model for cardiac rehabilitation centers that provide patient care to meaningfully contribute to our scientific understanding of this lifestyle intervention.

Disparities in the Use of Cardiac Rehabilitation after a Myocardial Infarction in the United States

The study's aim was to identify disparities in the use of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) services. Data were obtained from the 2013 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) conducted through landline and cellular phones by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Demographic, behavioral, and clinical variables were defined to explore disparities between CR users and non-users. Bivariate chi-square analyses and weighted multivariable logistic regression were used to identify disparities. Analyses were conducted using SAS version 9.4. There were 8506 individuals who had a myocardial infarction (MI) that completed the survey, and 2891 of these individuals reported using CR. The mean weighted CR utilization rate was 31.9% and varied from 17.9% (Hawaii) to 58.9% (Minnesota). Females (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.73; 0.6-0.88), African Americans (aOR = 0.63; 0.46-0.87), and those in-between the ages of 18 and 49 years-old were less likely to use CR (aOR = 0.54; 0.34-0.86) compared to their counterparts. Individuals who were high school graduates (aOR = 1.57; 1.19-2.07), attended college (aOR = 1.34; 1.01-1.79), or graduated college (aOR = 1.91; 1.41-2.61) were more likely to use CR compared to their counterparts. Non-high school graduates, females, African Americans, and those aged between 18 to 49 should be targeted to increase CR participation.

Financial Incentives to Increase Cardiac Rehabilitation Participation Among Low-Socioeconomic Status Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to examine the efficacy of financial incentives to increase Medicaid patient participation in and completion of cardiac rehabilitation (CR).

BACKGROUND

Participation in CR reduces morbidity, mortality, and hospitalizations while improving quality of life. Lower-socioeconomic status (SES) patients are much less likely to attend and complete CR, despite being at increased risk for recurrent cardiovascular events.

METHODS

A total of 130 individuals enrolled in Medicaid with a CR-qualifying cardiac event were randomized 1:1 to receive financial incentives on an escalating schedule ($4 to $50) for completing CR sessions or to receive usual care. Primary outcomes were CR participation (number of sessions completed) and completion (≥30 sessions completed). Secondary outcomes included changes in sociocognitive measurements (depressive/anxious symptoms, executive function), body composition (waist circumference, body mass index), fitness (peak VO₂) over 4 months, and combined number of hospitalizations and emergency department (ED) contacts over 1 year.

RESULTS

Patients randomized to the incentive condition completed more sessions (22.4 vs. 14.7, respectively; p = 0.013) and were almost twice as likely to complete CR (55.4% vs. 29.2%, respectively; p = 0.002) as controls. Incentivized patients were also more likely to experience improvements in executive function (p < 0.001), although there were no significant effects on other secondary outcomes. Patients who completed ≥30 sessions had 47% fewer combined hospitalizations and ED visits (p = 0.014), as reflected by a nonsignificant trend by study condition with 39% fewer hospital contacts in the incentive condition group (p = 0.079).

CONCLUSIONS

Financial incentives improve CR participation among lower-SES patients following a cardiac event. Increasing participation among lower-SES patients in CR is critical for positive longer-term health outcomes. (Increasing Cardiac Rehabilitation Participation Among Medicaid Enrollees; NCT02172820).