The frequency of early stroke after discharge from an emergency department with a diagnosis of a peripheral vestibular disorder was extremely low. However, the relative risk was markedly higher than in matched patients with renal colic, suggesting that some strokes, or sentinel events for strokes, are being misdiagnosed as peripheral vestibular disorders.
Where differences emerged, primary care physicians were more likely to perceive factors that would impede CR referral, some of which are modifiable. Marketing CR site locations, provision of standardized referral forms, and ensuring discharge summaries are communicated to primary care physicians may improve their willingness to refer to CR.
People of South‐Asian origin have an increased prevalence of coronary artery disease. Although cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is effective, South Asians are among the least likely people to participate in these programs. Automatic referral increases CR use and may reduce access inequalities. This study qualitatively explored whether CR referral knowledge and access varied among South‐Asian patients. Participants were South‐Asian cardiac patients receiving treatment at hospitals in Ontario, Canada. Each hospital refers to CR via one of four methods: automatically through paper or electronically, through discussion with allied health professionals (liaison referral), or through referral at the physician's discretion. Data were collected via interviews and analyzed using interpretive‐descriptive analysis. Four themes emerged: the importance of predischarge CR discussions with healthcare providers, limited knowledge of CR, ease of the referral process for facilitators of CR attendance, and participants' needs for personal autonomy regarding their decision to attend CR. Liaison referral was perceived to be the most suitable referral method for participants. It facilitated communication between patients and providers, ensuring improved understanding of CR. Automatic referral may not be as well suited to this population because of reduced patient‐provider communication.
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