Barriers to cardiac rehabilitation delivery in a low-resource setting from the perspective of healthcare administrators, rehabilitation providers, and cardiac patients

Home- versus centre-based EXercise InTervention in patients with Heart Failure (EXIT-HF trial): A pragmatic randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

The limited accessibility and the lack of adherence explain, in part, the low proportion of heart failure (HF) patients undergoing exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs. Home-based programs showed to be as effective and less costly than centre-based ones and might address those obstacles. Whether the evidence from international studies can be applied to our population is still unclear.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the clinical and economic impact of a home-based versus centre-based CR intervention in HF patients.

METHODS

This is a single-center, single-blind, parallel groups, non-inferiority pragmatic randomized control trial. Adult HF patients (n=120) will be randomized to either a centre-based or home-based CR program. In both groups' patients will participate in a 12-week combined CR program with 2 sessions per week. Exercise training (ExT) protocol consists of a combination of endurance [(at 60%-80% of peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak)] and resistance training (elastic bands). Those allocated to the home-based program will start with 4-5 supervised ExT sessions to familiarize themselves with the training protocol and then will continue the remaining sessions at home. The primary endpoint is the change in VO2peak at the end of the 12-week program. Secondary outcomes include alterations in circulating biomarkers, physical fitness, physical activity, quality of life, diet, psychological wellbeing, dyspnea, and cost-effectiveness analyses.

RESULTS

Patients are currently being recruited for the study. The study started in November 2019 and data collection is anticipated to be completed by December 2022. This is the first study in Portugal comparing the traditional CR program with a home-based program in HF patients. Our study results will better inform healthcare professionals who care for HF patients regarding CR.

Integration of rehabilitation services in primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of health care systems in low- and middle-income countries: a scoping review

PURPOSE

Integration is a concept that seeks to strengthen the delivery of services to ensure people receive a continuum of care across the health system. We conducted a scoping review to explore how rehabilitation services have been integrated into health systems in low- and middle- income countries (LMICs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a scoping review using Valentijn's Rainbow Model of Integrated Care (RMIC) as an organising framework. The key enablers of integration of rehabilitation were extracted, charted and summarised according to the RMIC framework.

RESULTS

Of 4667 articles identified, 44 met inclusion criteria. Most studies focused on rehabilitation within secondary and tertiary level facilities, and described service models incorporating clinical, professional and functional integration characteristics. The geographical and clinical scope of rehabilitation models that demonstrate elements of integration from LMICs is limited.

CONCLUSION

The key enablers identified highlight the important role of responsive multidisciplinary care plans, and interdisciplinary guidelines, protocols and interprofessional education to support an integrated rehabilitation service model in LMICs.

Women's Cardiac Rehabilitation Barriers: Results of the International Council of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation's First Global Assessment

BACKGROUND

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs are underutilized globally, especially by women. In this study we investigated sex differences in CR barriers across all world regions, to our knowledge for the first time, the characteristics associated with greater barriers in women, and women's greatest barriers according to enrollment status.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, the English, Simplified Chinese, Arabic, Portuguese, or Korean versions of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Barriers Scale was administered to CR-indicated patients globally via Qualtrics from October 2021 to March 2023. Members of the International Council of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation community facilitated participant recruitment. Mitigation strategies were provided and rated.

RESULTS

Participants were 2163 patients from 16 countries across all 6 World Health Organization regions; 916 (42.3%) were women. Women did not report significantly greater total barriers overall, but did in 2 regions (Americas, Western Pacific) and men in 1 (Eastern Mediterranean; all P < 0.001). Women's barriers were greatest in the Western Pacific (2.6 ± 0.4/5) and South East Asian (2.5 ± 0.9) regions (P < 0.001), with lack of CR awareness as the greatest barrier in both. Women who were unemployed reported significantly greater barriers than those not (P < 0.001). Among nonenrolled referred women, the greatest barriers were not knowing about CR, not being contacted by the program, cost, and finding exercise tiring or painful. Among enrolled women, the greatest barriers to session adherence were distance, transportation, and family responsibilities. Mitigation strategies were rated as very helpful (4.2 ± 0.7/5).

CONCLUSIONS

CR barriers-men's and women's-vary significantly according to region, necessitating tailored approaches to mitigation. Efforts should be made to mitigate unemployed women's barriers in particular.

Global perspectives on heart disease rehabilitation and secondary prevention: a scientific statement from the Association of Cardiovascular Nursing and Allied Professions, European Association of Preventive Cardiology, and International Council of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death, morbidity, disability, and reduced health-related quality of life, as well as economic burden worldwide, with some 80% of disease burden occurring in the low- and middle-income country (LMIC) settings. With increasing numbers of people living longer with symptomatic disease, the effectiveness and accessibility of secondary preventative and rehabilitative health services have never been more important. Whilst LMICs experience the highest prevalence and mortality rates, the global approach to secondary prevention and cardiac rehabilitation, which mitigates this burden, has traditionally been driven from clinical guidelines emanating from high-income settings. This state-of-the art review provides a contemporary global perspective on cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention, contrasting the challenges of and opportunities for high vs. lower income settings. Actionable solutions to overcome system, clinician, programme, and patient level barriers to cardiac rehabilitation access in LMICs are provided.

Hospital-Level Variation in Cardiac Rehabilitation After Myocardial Infarction in Japan During Fiscal Years 2014-2015 Using the National Database

Background: Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is an evidence-based medical service for patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI); however, its implementation is inadequate. We investigated the provision status and equality of CR by hospitals in Japan using a comprehensive nationwide claims database. Methods and Results: We analyzed data from the National Database of Health Insurance Claims and Specific Health Checkups in Japan for the period April 2014-March 2016. We identified patients aged ≥20 years with postintervention AMI. We calculated hospital-level proportions of inpatient and outpatient CR participation. The equality of hospital-level proportions of inpatient and outpatient CR participation was evaluated using the Gini coefficient. We included 35,298 patients from 813 hospitals for the analysis of inpatients and 33,328 patients from 799 hospitals for the analysis of outpatients. The median hospital-level proportions of inpatient and outpatient CR participation were 73.3% and 1.8%, respectively. The distribution of inpatient CR participation was bimodal; the Gini coefficients of inpatient and outpatient CR participation were 0.37 and 0.73, respectively. Although there were statistically significant differences in the hospital-level proportion of CR participation for several hospital factors, CR certification status for reimbursement was the only visually evident factor affecting the distribution of CR participation. Conclusions: The distributions of inpatient and outpatient CR participation by hospitals were suboptimal. Further research is warranted to determine future strategies.

Cardio4Health Study, a Cardiac Telerehabilitation Pilot Program Aimed at Patients After an Ischemic Event: Cross-sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Center-based cardiac rehabilitation programs (CRPs) reduce morbidity and mortality after an ischemic cardiac event; however, they are widely underused. Home-based CRP has emerged as an alternative to improve patient adherence; however, its safety and efficacy remain unclear, especially for older patients and female patients.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to develop a holistic home-based CRP for patients with ischemic heart disease and evaluate its safety and impact on functional capacity, adherence to a healthy lifestyle, and quality of life.

METHODS

The 8-week home-based CRP included patients of both sexes, with no age limit, who had overcome an acute myocardial infarction in the previous 3 months, had a left ventricular ejection fraction of ≥40%, and had access to a tablet or mobile device. The CRP was developed using a dedicated platform designed explicitly for this purpose and included 3 weekly exercise sessions combining tailored aerobic and strength training and 2 weekly educational session focused on lifestyle habits, therapeutic adherence, and patient empowerment.

RESULTS

We initially included 62 patients, of whom 1 was excluded for presenting with ventricular arrhythmias during the initial stress test, 5 were excluded because of incompatibility, and 6 dropped out because of a technological barrier. Ultimately, 50 patients completed the program: 85% (42/50) were male, with a mean age of 58.9 (SD 10.3) years, a mean left ventricular ejection fraction of 52.1% (SD 6.72%), and 25 (50%) New York Heart Association functional class I and 25 (50%) New York Heart Association II-III. The CRP significantly improved functional capacity (+1.6 metabolic equivalent tasks), muscle strength (arm curl test +15.5% and sit-to-stand test +19.7%), weekly training volume (+803 metabolic equivalent tasks), adherence to the Mediterranean diet, emotional state (anxiety), and quality of life. No major complications occurred, and adherence was excellent (>80%) in both the exercise and educational sessions. In the subgroup analysis, CRP showed equivalent beneficial effects irrespective of sex and age. In addition, patient preferences for CRP approaches were equally distributed, with one-third (14/50, 29%) of the patients preferring a face-to-face CRP, one-third (17/50, 34%) preferring a telematic CRP, and one-third (18/50, 37%) preferring a hybrid approach. Regarding CRP duration, 63% (31/50) of the patients considered it adequate, whereas the remaining 37% (19/50) preferred a longer program.

CONCLUSIONS

A holistic telematic CRP dedicated to patients after an ischemic cardiac event, irrespective of sex and age, is safe and, in our population, has achieved positive results in improving maximal aerobic capacity, weekly training volume, muscle strength, quality of life, compliance with diet, and anxiety symptoms. The preference for a center- or home-based CRP approach is diverse among the study population, emphasizing the need for a tailored CRP to improve adherence and completion rates.

Translation, Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Psychometric Validation of the Arabic Version of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Barriers Scale (CRBS-A) with Strategies to Mitigate Barriers

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) utilization is low, particularly in Arabic-speaking countries. This study aimed to translate and psychometrically validate the CR Barriers Scale in Arabic (CRBS-A), as well as strategies to mitigate them. The CRBS was translated by two bilingual health professionals independently, followed by back-translation. Next, 19 healthcare providers, followed by 19 patients rated the face and content validity (CV) of the pre-final versions, providing input to improve cross-cultural applicability. Then, 207 patients from Saudi Arabia and Jordan completed the CRBS-A, and factor structure, internal consistency, construct, and criterion validity were assessed. Helpfulness of mitigation strategies was also assessed. For experts, item and scale CV indices were 0.8-1.0 and 0.9, respectively. For patients, item clarity and mitigation helpfulness scores were 4.5 ± 0.1 and 4.3 ± 0.1/5, respectively. Minor edits were made. For the test of structural validity, four factors were extracted: time conflicts/lack of perceived need and excuses; preference to self-manage; logistical problems; and health system issues and comorbidities. Total CRBS-A α was 0.90. Construct validity was supported by a trend for an association of total CRBS with financial insecurity regarding healthcare. Total CRBS-A scores were significantly lower in patients who were referred to CR (2.8 ± 0.6) vs. those who were not (3.6 ± 0.8), confirming criterion validity (p = 0.04). Mitigation strategies were considered very helpful (mean = 4.2 ± 0.8/5). The CRBS-A is reliable and valid. It can support identification of top barriers to CR participation at multiple levels, and then strategies for mitigating them can be implemented.

Challenges to Cardiac Rehabilitation Post Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Qualitative Study in Pune

Background Adherence to cardiac rehabilitation (CR) regimen is crucial in the post-coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) period. Cardiac rehabilitation involves various lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, regular follow-up in OPD, and implementing secondary prevention recommendations. This study aims to understand the challenges to CR post-CABG. Methodology Seven in-depth interviews using an interview guide were carried out in the outpatient section of the cardiothoracic vascular surgery (CTVS) department of a tertiary health care facility in Pune, India. A purposive sampling technique was followed. Results The qualitative study revealed that dietary restrictions were difficult to follow, that some patients could not quit smoking even after surgery, and that transportation costs were an issue regarding CR follow-up. The majority of the participants appreciated the importance of regular exercise in their post-surgery life. Conclusion Despite the hurdles, the majority of participants stated that the fact that CABG is a major treatment pushed them to attend routine CR follow-ups and adhere to the CR regimen. A solid CR team was one of the study's strengths, and the team established a routine of telephonic reminders for regular follow-up, which resulted in lower rates of loss to follow-up.

Effect of a Home-Based Mobile Health App Intervention on Physical Activity Levels in Patients With Heart Failure: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

The use of mobile health applications (apps) is an effective strategy in supporting patients' self-management of heart failure (HF) in home settings, but it remains unclear whether they can be used to reduce sedentary behaviors and increase overall physical activity levels.

AIM

The aims of this study were to determine the effect of an 8-week home-based mobile health app intervention on physical activity levels and to assess its effects on symptom burden and health-related quality of life.

METHOD

In this study, we collected repeated-measures data from 132 participants with HF (60.8 ± 10.47 years) randomized into a usual care group (n = 67) or an 8-week home-based mobile health app intervention group (n = 65). The intervention was tailored to decrease the time spent in sedentary behavior and to increase the time spent in physical activities performed at light or greater intensity levels. Physical activity levels were monitored for 2 weeks before the intervention and during the 8-week intervention using the Samsung mobile health app. Heart failure symptom burden and health-related quality of life were assessed at baseline, 2 weeks from baseline assessment, and immediately post intervention.

RESULTS

At week 8, all participants in the intervention group demonstrated an increase in the average daily step counts above the preintervention counts (range of increase: 2351-7925 steps/d). Only 29 participants (45%) achieved an average daily step count of 10 000 or higher by week 6 and maintained their achievement to week 8 of the intervention. Repeated-measures analysis of variance showed a significant group-by-time interaction, indicating that the intervention group had a greater improvement in physical activity levels, symptom burden, and health-related quality of life than the usual care group.

CONCLUSION

Home-based mobile health app-based interventions can increase physical activity levels and can play an important role in promoting better HF outcomes.

The impacts of the combination service model of cardiac rehabilitation on patient outcomes: evidence from a hospital experience

This research is to test whether the combination model (CM) (combining cardiac rehabilitation (CR) with other cardiovascular medical services) impact patients' readmissions, physical and psychological outcomes. We found that CM significantly enhances patients' exercise ability and psychological condition and reduces readmission rates after discharged from the hospital, compared to patients that are admitted to non-CM. Departments' physical resources weaken the impact of CM on patients' physical outcomes and readmission rates while increasing patients' psychological conditions. Human resources strengthen the impact of CM on patients' readmission rates while reducing the impact on patients' physical outcomes. Our results provide empirical evidence for hospital resource constraints puzzle and reallocation. These results provide a possibility of introducing CM as a way to deal with CR implementing challenges.

Barriers to Establishing Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background

The core of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is structured exercise training. CR reduces 28-56% hospital readmission rate, and around 25% increases cardiorespiratory fitness but the number of outpatients CR centers in Saudi Arabia (SA) is very limited and there is a need to establish outpatient CR (Phase III) in SA. Furthermore, the awareness of outpatient CR in SA is unknown.

Aim

To determine the main barriers to establishing an outpatient CR program (Phase III) in the western region of SA, as well as assess the awareness of outpatient CR (Phase III) in the western region of SA.

Methods

A cross-sectional study survey was conducted between March - July 2021 among physiotherapists, cardiologists and the cardiac surgeon using a questionnaire distributed electronically to determine the awareness level of outpatient CR and barriers to establishing outpatient CR (Phase III) in the western region of SA. Frequencies and percentages were used to report the variables.

Results

Of the 141 participants who completed the online survey, our findings showed that 131 (93%) were aware of CR but only 29 (21%) were aware of the four phases of CR. There were three main barriers to establishing CR: lack of appropriate CR 135 (96%); lack of awareness among healthcare professions of CR and its benefits 134 (95%) and the lack of healthcare providers trained in CR 133 (94%). There was a significant relationship between physiotherapists and cardiologists' responses on agreeing to all barriers to establishing CR in SA (r=0.69, P =0.03).

Conclusion

To overcome the barriers to establishing CR outpatient centers in the western region of SA, it is recommended to provide more CR outpatient training programs to healthcare providers and raise the awareness of the CR phases, its benefits, and the risk factors for developing cardiac diseases among healthcare providers.

Barriers to hospital-based phase 2 cardiac rehabilitation among patients with coronary heart disease in China: a mixed-methods study

BACKGROUND

Coronary heart disease (CHD) has become a leading cause of morbidity and premature death worldwide. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) was proved to have substantial benefits for patients with CHD. The CR was divided into three phases. Phase 2 is the important part of CR which involves hospital-based structured and closely monitored exercises and activities. However, CR utilization is low worldwide. The barriers to hospital-based phase 2 CR in China have not been well identified.

AIMS

To investigate barriers to hospital-based phase 2 cardiac rehabilitation among coronary heart disease patients in China and to explore the reasons.

METHODS

This study employed an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design. The study was conducted in a university hospital in China from July 2021 to December 2021. Quantitative data was collected through the Cardiac Rehabilitation Barrier Scale. Qualitative data was collected through unstructured face-to-face interviews. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and inductive qualitative content analysis.

RESULTS

One hundred and sixty patients completed the Cardiac Rehabilitation Barrier Scale and 17 patients participated in unstructured face-to-face interviews. The main barriers identified were distance (3.29 ± 1.565), transportation (2.99 ± 1.503), cost (2.76 ± 1.425), doing exercise at home (2.69 ± 1.509) and time constraints (2.48 ± 1.496). Six themes were identified; logistical factors, social support, misunderstanding of cardiac rehabilitation, program and health system-level factors, impression of CR team and psychological distress. The first four themes confirmed the quantitative results and provide a deeper explanation for the quantitative results. The last two themes were new information that emerged in the qualitative phase.

CONCLUSION

This study provides a better understanding of the barriers to hospital-based phase 2 cardiac rehabilitation among coronary heart disease patients in the Chinese context during the Covid-19 pandemic. Innovative programs such as home-based CR, mobile health, and hybrid programs might be considered to overcome some of these barriers. In addition, psychosocial intervention should be included in these programs to mitigate some of the barriers associated with the impression of CR team and psychological distress.

Clinical Determinants and Barriers to Cardiac Rehabilitation Enrollment of Patients with Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction: A Single-Center Study in Portugal

Despite cardiac rehabilitation (CR) being a recommended treatment for patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), it is still underused. This study investigated the clinical determinants and barriers to enrollment in a CR program for HFrEF patients. We conducted a cohort study using the Cardiac Rehabilitation Barriers Scale (CRBS) to assess the reason for non-enrollment. Of 214 HFrEF patients, 65% had not been enrolled in CR. Patients not enrolled in CR programs were older (63 vs. 58 years; p < 0.01) and were more likely to have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (20% vs. 5%; p < 0.01). Patients enrolled in CR were more likely to be treated with sacubitril/valsartan (34% vs. 19%; p = 0.01), mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (84% vs. 72%; p = 0.04), an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) (41% vs. 20%; p < 0.01), and cardiac resynchronization therapy (21% vs. 10%; p = 0.03). Multivariate analysis revealed that age (adjusted OR 1.04; 95% CI 1.01−1.07), higher education level (adjusted OR 3.31; 95% CI 1.63−6.70), stroke (adjusted OR 3.29; 95% CI 1.06−10.27), COPD (adjusted OR 4.82; 95% CI 1.53−15.16), and no ICD status (adjusted OR 2.68; 95% CI 1.36−5.26) were independently associated with CR non-enrollment. The main reasons for not being enrolled in CR were no medical referral (31%), concomitant medical problems (28%), patient refusal (11%), and geographical distance to the hospital (9%). Despite the relatively high proportion (35%) of HFrEF patients who underwent CR, the enrollment rate can be further improved. Innovative multi-level strategies addressing physicians’ awareness, patients’ comorbidities, and geographical issues should be pursued.

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.

Prevalence and determinants of return to work after various coronary events: meta-analysis of prospective studies

Return to work (RTW) after a coronary event remains a major concern. This systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies published between January 1988 and August 2020, aim to evaluate the prevalence of RTW after a coronary event (myocardial infarction, acute coronary syndrome, angina pectoris) and to assess the determinants of RTW (such as follow-up duration, date of recruitment, country, gender, occupational factors, etc.). PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines were followed. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Random-effects models were carried out to determine pooled prevalence estimates and 95% confident interval. A total of 43 prospective studies (34,964 patients) were investigated. RTW overall random effects pooled prevalence was estimated at 81.1% [95% CI 75.8–85.8]. Country, year of implementation or gender did not significantly modify the prevalence estimates. Lower level of education and degraded left ventricular ejection fraction decreased RTW prevalence estimates (respectively, 76.1% vs 85.6% and 65.3% vs 77.8%). RTW prevalence estimates were higher for white-collars (81.2% vs 65.0% for blue-collars) and people with low physical workload (78.3% vs 64.1% for elevated physical workload).Occupational physical constraints seem to have a negative role in RTW while psycho-logical factors at work are insufficiently investigated. A better understanding of the real-life working conditions influencing RTW would be useful to maintain coronary patients in the labor market.

Cardiac telerehabilitation in a middle-income country: analysis of adherence, effectiveness and cost through a randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

The benefits of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) are already well established; however, such intervention has been underused, mainly in low- and middle-income countries.

AIM

To compare adherence, effectiveness, and cost of a home CR with the traditional CR (TCR) in a middle-income country (MIC).

DESIGN

Single-blind randomized control trial.

SETTING

A university hospital.

POPULATION

Individuals with coronary disease that were eligible were invited to participate. A randomized sample of 51 individuals was selected, where two participants were not included by not meeting inclusion criteria.

METHODS

The home-CR group participated in health education activities, carried out two supervised exercise sessions, and was instructed to carry out 58 sessions at home. Weekly telephone calls were made. The TCR group held 24 supervised exercise sessions and were instructed to carry out 36 sessions at home.

RESULTS

49 individuals (42 male, 56.37±10.35years) participated in the study, 23 in the home-CR group and 26 in the TCR group. After the intervention, adherence in the home-CR and TCR groups was 94.18% and 79.08%, respectively, with no significant difference (P=0.191). Both protocols were effective for the other variables, with no differences. The cost per patient for the service was lower in the home-CR (US$ 59.31) than in the TCR group (US$ 135.05).

CONCLUSIONS

CR performed at home in an MIC demonstrated similar adherence and effectiveness compared to the TCR program, but with a lower cost for the service. The results corroborate the possibility of using home CR programs, even in MICs, after exercise risk stratification and under remote supervision.

CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT

Home-CR can contribute to overcome participants' barriers with compatible cost. Home-CR is effective in improving functional capacity and risk factors control. Perform risk stratification and remote supervision are essential to offer Home-CR.

Trends in cardiac rehabilitation enrollment post-coronary artery bypass grafting upon implementation of automatic referral in Southeast Asia: A retrospective cohort study

Introduction: Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is an effective but underutilized intervention. Strategies have been identified to increase its use, but there is paucity of data testing them in low-resource settings. We sought to determine the effect of automatic referral post-coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery on CR enrollment.

Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study assessing cardiac patients referred to CR at a tertiary center in Southeast Asia from 2013 to 2019. The paper-based pathway was introduced at the end of 2012. The checklist with automatic CR referral on the third day post-operation prompted a nurse to educate the patient about CR, initiate phase 1 and encourage enrollment in phase 2. Patients who were not eligible for the pathway for administrative or clinical reasons were referred at the discretion of the attending physician (i.e., usual care). Enrollment was defined as attendance at≥1 CR visit.

Results: Of 4792 patients referred during the study period, 394 enrolled in CR. Significantly more patients referred automatically enrolled compared to usual care (225 [11.8%] vs. 169 [5.8%]; OR=2.2, 95% CI=1.8-2.7), with increases up to 23.4% enrollment in 2014 (vs. average enrollment rate of 5.9% under usual referral). Patients who enrolled following automatic referral were significantly younger and more often employed (both P<0.001); no other differences were observed.

Conclusion: In a lower-resource, Southeast Asian setting, automatic CR referral is associated with over two times greater enrollment in phase 2 CR, although efforts to maintain this effect are required.

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.

Cost-effectiveness of an exercise-based cardiovascular rehabilitation program in patients with chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy in Brazil: An analysis from the PEACH study

OBJECTIVES

The present study aimed to perform a cost-effectiveness analysis of an exercise-based cardiovascular rehabilitation (CR) program in patients with chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy (CCC).

METHODS

Cost-effectiveness analysis alongside a randomised clinical trial evaluating the effects of a 6-month exercise-based CR program. The intervention group underwent 3 weekly exercise sessions. The variation of peak oxygen consumption (VO_2peak ) was used as a measurement of clinical outcome. Cost information from all healthcare expenses (examinations, healthcare visits, medication and hospitalisation) were obtained from the medical records in Brazilian reais (R$) and transformed into dollars using the purchasing power parity ($PPP). The longitudinal costs variation was evaluated through linear mixed models, represented by β coefficient, adjusted for the baseline values of the dependent variable. The cost-effectiveness evaluation was determined through an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio using the HEABS package (Stata 15.0).

RESULTS

The intervention group presented higher costs with healthcare visits (β = +3317.3; p < 0.001), hospitalisation (β = +2810.4; p = 0.02) and total cost (β = +6407.9; p < 0.001) after 3 months of follow-up. Costs related to healthcare visits (β = +2455.8; p < 0.001) and total cost (β = +4711.4; p < 0.001) remained higher in the intervention group after 6 months. The CR program showed an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of $PPP 1874.3 for each increase of 1.0 ml kg^-1  min^-1 of VO_2peak .

CONCLUSIONS

The CR program can be considered a cost-effective alternative and should be included as an intervention strategy in the care of patients with CCC.

Examining Facilitators and Barriers to Cardiac Rehabilitation Adherence in a Low-Resource Setting in Latin America from Multiple Perspectives

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is under-used, particularly in low-resource settings. There are few studies of barriers and facilitators to CR adherence in these settings, particularly considering multiple perspectives. In this multiple-method study, a cross-sectional survey including the Cardiac Rehabilitation Barriers Scale (each item scored on a five-point Likert scale) was administered to patients treated between February and July, 2019, in three CR centers in Colombia. A random subsample of 50 participants was invited to a focus group, along with an accompanying relative. Physiotherapists from the programs were invited to an interview, with a similar interview guide. Audio-recordings were transcribed and analyzed using interpretive description. A total of 210 patients completed the survey, and 9 patients, together with 3 of their relatives and 3 physiotherapists, were interviewed. The greatest barriers identified were costs (mean = 2.8 ± 1.6), distance (2.6 ± 1.6) and transportation (2.5 ± 1.6); the logistical subscale was highest. Six themes were identified, pertaining to well-being, life roles, weather, financial factors, healthcare professionals and health system factors. The main facilitators were encouragement from physiotherapists, relatives and other patients. The development of hybrid programs where patients transition from supervised to unsupervised sessions when appropriate should be considered, if health insurers were to reimburse them. Programs should consider the implications regarding policies of family inclusion.

Factors Associated with Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation Participation in Older Patients: A Population-Based Study Using Claims Data from Two Cities in Japan

BACKGROUND

Although outpatient cardiac rehabilitation has been shown to be effective, the participation status of older cardiac patients is unclear in real-world settings. We investigated the proportion and associated factors of outpatient cardiac rehabilitation participation among older patients with heart diseases after cardiac intervention.

METHODS

We analyzed data from medical and long-term care insurance claims data from two municipalities in Japan. The data coverage period was between April 2014 and March 2019 in City A and between April 2012 and November 2016 in City B. We identified patients aged ≥65 years with post-operative acute myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, or heart valve disease. We estimated the proportion of cardiac rehabilitation participation and conducted logistic regression to identify factors (age, sex, type of cardiac disease, open-heart surgery, Charlson comorbidity index, long-term care need level, catecholamine use, inpatient cardiac rehabilitation, and hospital volume for cardiac rehabilitation) associated with outpatient cardiac rehabilitation participation.

RESULTS

A total of 690 patients were included in this study. The proportion of patients receiving outpatient cardiac rehabilitation was 9.0% overall. Multivariable logistic regression analysis suggested that men (adjusted OR 3.98; 95% CI 1.69-9.37), acute myocardial infarction (adjusted OR 2.76; 95% CI 1.20-6.36; reference angina pectoris), inpatient cardiac rehabilitation (adjusted OR 17.01; 95% CI 5.33-54.24), and "hospital volume" for cardiac rehabilitation (adjusted OR 4.35; 95% CI 1.14-16.57 for high-volume hospitals; reference low-volume hospital) were independently associated with outpatient cardiac rehabilitation.

CONCLUSIONS

The participation rate of outpatient cardiac rehabilitation among older post-operative cardiac patients was suboptimal. Further studies are warranted to examine its generalizability and whether a targeted approach to a group of patients who are less likely to receive outpatient cardiac rehabilitation could improve the participation rate.

Effect of an educational program on physical activity in individuals undergoing their first percutaneous coronary intervention: A randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Educational programs designed for specific populations to improve regular physical activity need to be tested.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effectiveness of an educational program, when compared to usual care, on improving physical activity 5 to 7 months after hospital discharge in adult patients undergoing their first percutaneous coronary intervention.

METHODS

Randomized controlled trial with two groups: usual care (n = 56) and educational program (n = 53) interventions. Data on sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were collected and the Baecke-Habitual Physical Activity Questionnaire, Self-efficacy Scale for Physical Activity, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were administered at baseline and follow-up. Participants in the educational program received an intervention based on Social Cognitive Theory, focused on physical activity, followed by three telephone calls. The usual care group received the hospital routine information. Unadjusted and adjusted differences between the two groups in mean score changes (with 95% confidence intervals [CI]) were calculated for all outcomes.

RESULTS

At follow-up, the educational program group showed higher mean ± standard deviation scores than the usual care group for practice of physical activity (7.94 ± 1.84 vs. 6.90 ± 1.89) and for self-efficacy (3.98 ± 3.75 vs. 2.52 ± 3.12). Adjusting for baseline outcome, the difference in mean change between groups was 0.89 (95% CI: 0.32, 1.46) for physical activity and 2.30 (95% CI: 1.12, 3.49) for self-efficacy. There were no statistical differences between groups in symptoms of anxiety and depression.

CONCLUSION

The educational program may be an effective intervention in increasing habitual physical activity and self-efficacy for physical activity in individuals with coronary artery disease.

Publicly versus privately funded cardiac rehabilitation: access and adherence barriers. A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) barriers are well-understood in high-resource settings. However, they are under-studied in low-resource settings, where access is even poorer and the context is significantly different, including two-tiered healthcare systems and greater socioeconomic challenges.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate differences in characteristics of patients attending publicly versus privately funded CR and their barriers to adherence.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Observational, cross-sectional study in public and private CR programs offered in Brazil.

METHODS

Patients who had been attending CR for ≥ 3 months were recruited from one publicly and one privately funded CR program. They completed assessments regarding sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and the CR Barriers Scale.

RESULTS

From the public program, 74 patients were recruited, and from the private, 100. Participants in the public program had significantly lower educational attainment (P < 0.001) and lower socioeconomic status (P < 0.001). Participants in the private program had more cognitive impairment (P = 0.015), and in the public program more anxiety (P = 0.001) and depressive symptoms (P = 0.008) than their counterparts. Total barriers among public CR participants were significantly higher than those among private CR participants (1.34 ± 0.26 versus 1.23 ± 0.15/5]; P = 0.003), as were scores on 3 out of 5 subscales, namely: comorbidities/functional status (P = 0.027), perceived need (P < 0.001) and access (P = 0.012).

CONCLUSION

Publicly funded programs need to be tailored to meet their patients' requirements, through consideration of educational and psychosocial matters, and be amenable to mitigation of patient barriers relating to presence of comorbidities and poorer health status.

Outcomes of a smartphone-based application with live health-coaching post-percutaneous coronary intervention

Background

The interval between inpatient hospitalization for symptomatic coronary artery disease (CAD) and post-discharge office consultation is a vulnerable period for adverse events.

Methods

Content was customized on a smartphone app-based platform for hospitalized patients receiving percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) which included education, tracking, reminders and live health coaches. We conducted a single-arm open-label pilot study of the app at two academic medical centers in a single health system, with subjects enrolled 02/2018–05/2019 and 1:3 propensity-matched historical controls from 01/2015–12/2017. To evaluate feasibility and efficacy, we assessed 30-day hospital readmission (primary), outpatient cardiovascular follow-up, and cardiac rehabilitation (CR) enrollment as recorded in the health system. Outcomes were assessed by Cox Proportional Hazards model.

Findings

118 of 324 eligible (36·4%) 21–85 year-old patients who underwent PCI for symptomatic CAD who owned a smartphone or tablet enrolled. Mean age was 62.5 (9·7) years, 87 (73·7%) were male, 40 of 118 (33·9%) had type 2 diabetes mellitus, 68 (57·6%) enrolled underwent PCI for MI and 59 (50·0%) had previously known CAD; demographics were similar among matched historical controls. No significant difference existed in all-cause readmission within 30 days (8·5% app vs 9·6% control, ARR -1.1% absolute difference, 95% CI -7·1–4·8, p = 0·699) or 90 days (16·1% app vs 19·5% control, p = 0.394). Rates of both 90-day CR enrollment (HR 1·99, 95% CI 1·30–3·06) and 1-month cardiovascular follow up (HR 1·83, 95% CI 1·43–2·34) were greater with the app. Weekly engagement at 30- and 90-days, as measured by percentage of weeks with at least one day of completion of tasks, was mean (SD) 73·5% (33·9%) and 63·5% (40·3%). Spearman correlation analyses indicated similar engagement across age, sex, and cardiovascular risk factors.

Interpretations

A post-PCI smartphone app with live health coaches yielded similarly high engagement across demographics and safely increased attendance in cardiac rehabilitation. Larger prospective randomized controlled trials are necessary to test whether this app improves cardiovascular outcomes following PCI.

Funding

National Institutes of Health, Boston Scientific.

Clinical trial registration

NCT03416920 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03416920).

Cardiac rehabilitation availability and characteristics in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Global Comparison

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to establish availability and characteristics of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), where cardiovascular disease is highly prevalent.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional sub-analysis focusing on the 35 LAC countries, local cardiovascular societies identified CR programs globally. An online survey was administered to identified programs, assessing capacity and characteristics. CR need was computed relative to ischemic heart disease (IHD) incidence from the Global Burden of Disease study.

RESULTS

≥1 CR program was identified in 24 LAC countries (68.5% availability; median = 3 programs/country). Data were collected in 20/24 countries (83.3%); 139/255 programs responded (54.5%), and compared to responses from 1082 programs in 111 countries. LAC density was 1 CR spot per 24 IHD patients/year (vs 18 globally). Greatest need was observed in Brazil, Dominican Republic and Mexico (all with >150,000 spots needed/year). In 62.8% (vs 37.2% globally P < .001) of CR programs, patients pay out-of-pocket for some or all of CR. CR teams were comprised of a mean of 5.0 ± 2.3 staff (vs 6.0 ± 2.8 globally; P < .001); Social workers, dietitians, kinesiologists, and nurses were significantly less common on CR teams than globally. Median number of core components offered was 8 (vs 9 globally; P < .001). Median dose of CR was 36 sessions (vs 24 globally; P < .001). Only 27 (20.9%) programs offered alternative CR models (vs 31.1% globally; P < .01).

CONCLUSION

In LAC countries, there is very limited CR capacity in relation to need. CR dose is high, but comprehensiveness low, which could be rectified with a more multidisciplinary team.

Cardiac Rehabilitation: Under-Utilized Globally

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is grossly under-utilized. This review summarizes current knowledge about degree of CR utilization, reasons for under-utilization, and strategies to increase use.

RECENT FINDINGS

ICCPR's global CR audit quantified for the first time the number of additional CR spots needed per year to treat indicated patients, so there are programs they may use. The first randomized trial of automatic/systematic CR referral has shown it results in significantly greater patient completion. Moreover, the recent update of the Cochrane review on interventions to increase use has provided unequivocal evidence on the significant impact of clinician CR encouragement at the bedside; a course is now available to train clinicians. The USA is leading the way in implementing automatic referral with inpatient-clinician CR discussions. Suggestions to triage patients based on risk to less resource-intensive, unsupervised program models could simultaneously expand capacity and support patient adherence.

Patient education program for Brazilians living with diabetes and prediabetes: findings from a development study

Background

Globally, the incidence of diabetes is increasing and strategies to reach a comprehensive approach of care are needed, including education in self-management. This is particularly true in low and middle-income countries where the number of people living with diabetes is higher than in the high-income ones. This article describes the development of a structured patient education program for Brazilians living with diabetes or prediabetes.

Methods

These steps were undertaken: 1) a 4-phase needs assessment (literature search of local diabetes guidelines, environmental scan, evaluation of information needs of patients identified by diabetes experts, and patient focus groups); and, 2) the translation and cultural adaptation of the patient guide (preparation, translation, back-translation, back-translation review, harmonization, and proofreading).

Results

Four of the seven guidelines identified include educational aspects of diabetes management. No structured education program was reported from the environmental scan. Regarding the information needs, 15 diabetes experts identified their patients’ needs, who referred that they have high information needs for topics related to their health condition. Finally, results from six patient focus groups were clustered into six themes (self-management, physical activity, eating habits, diabetes medication, psychosocial being, and sleep), all embedded into the new education program. Constructive theory, adult learning principles, and the Health Action Process Approach model were used in program development and will be used in delivery. The developed program consists of 18 educational sessions strategically mapped and sequenced to support the program learning outcomes and a patient guide with 17 chapters organized into five sections, matched with weekly lectures.

Conclusions

This program is a sequential and theoretical strategic intervention that can reach programs in Brazil to support diabetes and prediabetes patient education.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-11300-y.

Prognostic effects of cardiovascular rehabilitation: facts and myths

Since CR was introduced, studies have been carried out to discover the effect of CRHPs on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and on heart-disease patients' quality of life. The first meta-analyses showed improvement in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, although the studies were conducted in the coronary pre-reperfusion era, before the generalized use in secondary prevention of drugs such as statins, beta-blockers, or renin-angiotensin-system inhibitors, which have produced a decrease in cardiovascular mortality. In Europe, analyzing 25 studies with more than 200,000 patients. It concluded that, in spite of the great heterogeneity of the programs, CR clearly decreases mortality after ACS. Nevertheless, a strategy of CRHP standardization and evaluation is needed. In 2017, a study was carried out in our hospital to evaluate the effectiveness of multidisciplinary CRHP intervention on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, recurrence of cardiovascular events, the control of RFCV and lifestyle changes in patients after ACS. A total of 442 patients were included who had presented an acute cardiovascular event in the previous six months; 306 patients from the CR group and 136 others with standard cardiology follow-up were used as controls. 405 patients completed follow-up for a median of 60 months. Compared to the usual treatments in cardiology, the patients who underwent CRHPs presented fewer readmissions for cardiovascular reasons (17% vs. 43.38%, P<0.001), fewer major cardiovascular events (11.9% vs. 27.2%, P<0.001) and new revascularizations (9.3% vs. 21.32%, P=0.001), with lower cardiovascular mortality (0 vs. 2.2%, P=0.014). It also led to better control of the RFCV (66% vs. 19.85%, P<0.001) and favored lifestyle changes in these patients (91% vs. 61%, P<0.001). Therefore, in our setting, the performance of CRHPs was shown to be effective in reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and in the secondary prevention of coronary patients.

Successful Implementation and Development of a Phase II Cardiac Rehabilitation Program: A China-Wide Cross-Sectional Study Tracking In-service Training Clinical Staff

Background: Despite the benefits of cardiac rehabilitation (CR), phase II CR remains highly unavailable; the factors influential to the successful implementation and development of phase II CR programs have not been fully explored.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was completed by 168 nationwide clinical staff. Parameters associated with the successful implementation and development of phase II CR and the factors associated with the quality of CR were explored by multivariable logistic regression.

Results: One hundred and eighteen of 168 respondents' institutions had successfully developed phase II CR programs, 41 of which delivered high-quality CR. Independent factors associated with successful implementation and development of CR were leadership support from hospital administrators, support from resident physicians, staff perception in CR increasing medical risk, and department type (cardiology vs. rehabilitation department). Independent factors associated with CR quality were the availability of “professional CR providers” and staff perceptions of CR improving physician–patient relationships. The medical system factors did not affect the development and quality of CR, including hospital level, funding type, academic type, general/specialized hospital, located city, medical insurance, the existence of a CR outpatient clinic and independent space, the availability of professional CR providers, staff structure, and the availability of regular training and standard procedure.

Conclusions: The development and quality of a phase II CR program may benefit from factors including support from administrators and resident physicians, adequately training more CR providers, without viewing medical system factors as a major issue.

Review of Trials on Exercise-Based Rehabilitation Interventions Following Acute Decompensated Heart Failure: OBSERVATIONS FROM THE WHO INTERNATIONAL CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRY PLATFORM

PURPOSE

Cardiac rehabilitation is an important intervention for patients with heart failure. However, its clinical application in acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) remains underutilized with limited research available. An assessment of current research in this area will help guide future investigations. The aim of this review is to summarize the current research focusing on rehabilitation interventions following recovery from ADHF.

REVIEW METHODS

A systematic search was carried out on all trials registered in the clinical trial registry database of the World Health Organization-International Clinical Trial Registry Platform (WHO-ICTRP). Studies focusing on ADHF and utilizing any exercise and rehabilitation-based intervention were included.

RESULTS

A majority of 11 trial protocols, including 3827 participants with low ejection fraction (<40%), were identified from the WHO-ICTRP database. Majority of the protocols (64%) focused on exercise-based interventions with approximately one-quarter (29%) focusing on neuromuscular electrical stimulation and one on noninvasive ventilation during exercise. Irrespective of the mode of exercise, all protocols employed low-moderate intensity training with outcomes focusing on physical function and quality of life.

CONCLUSION

Studies on rehabilitative interventions for ADHF are still in their early stages. More research is needed using innovative methodologies and testing for feasibility and fidelity.