Factors Influencing Referral of Cardiac Patients for Cardiac Rehabilitation

Abstract

This study asked the question: Are there differences in the characteristics and referral rates of men and women who are referred for cardiac rehabilitation? The sample consisted of 203 men (n = 148) and women (n = 55) who were hospitalized with at least one cardiac diagnosis and were eligible for Phase II cardiac rehabilitation. Hospital records were reviewed to obtain information on gender, age, ethnicity, insurance coverage, marital status, employment status, proximity to rehabilitation services, transportation availability, concurrent disease processes, domestic responsibilities, documentation of referral for cardiac rehabilitation, and the attending physician. A survey sent to the patients approximately 3 weeks after their discharge from the hospital also addressed these variables. Logistic regression analysis indicated only one predictor of referral: the gender of the physician. Male physicians were more likely to refer patients for cardiac rehabilitation. This finding must be viewed with caution because of the small number of female patients and female physicians included in the study. The current literature reflects conflicting findings about the proposed relationships; therefore, they merit further investigation.

Cultural factors facilitating cardiac rehabilitation participation among Canadian South Asians: A qualitative study

“…The receipt of a referral or recommendation from a health professional is consistently identified as an enabling factor for enrollment in CR among the general population. [51][52][53][54] Culturally, South Asians generally hold healthcare professionals in high respect. Previous qualitative studies reported that South Asians viewed physicians as authorities, knowledgeable people who rarely make mistakes, who have full understanding of the conditions they treat, and who should always be obeyed.…”

Efficacy of Telecardiology in improving the results of Cardiac Rehabilitation after acute myocardial infarction

“…Many services concentrate on relatively low risk, white middle aged patients, while women [20,21] and elderly are less likely to be included [22][23][24]. Poor recruitment is also related to service factors, such as the availability and accessibility of a program [25], the strength of a physician's recommendation to attend [26][27][28] and treatment by a general physician, rather than a cardiologist. Patient factors include the reported feeling amongst the elderly and women that they will be out of place [29] and beliefs about whether their illness was amenable to cure or control [30].…”

Getting the most out of cardiac rehabilitation: a review of referral and adherence predictors

“…21 Several variables of interest had not been adequately addressed previously; the length of CRP reduced participation but enhanced long term behavioural change, however this was examined in only one of the 32 articles examined. 34 Filip and colleagues found that preferences for specific programme lengths and types differed significantly by age; participants over 65 years of age preferred longer programmes than younger participants, and older participants preferred home based programmes.…”