Background and Aims:

The purpose of the survey was to determine current program characteristics, components and current practice standards across Canadian Cardiac Rehabilitation (CR) sites. Information will assist the Winnipeg CR program to modify/improve upon its program delivery and service. Data from the survey will also facilitate the Winnipeg Program to evaluate current practice and to potentially compare patient outcomes with similar facilities across Canada. The purpose of this research paper is to report on the outcomes measured CR programs in Canada.

Methods and Materials:

The University of Manitoba Research Ethics Board approved the research project. The Canadian Association of Cardiac Rehabilitation (CACR) provided a mailing list of current CACR members to the study coordinator. Other CR sites were identified from searching the Internet. In September 2005, 118 surveys were mailed to eligible CR programs across Canada. The mailed survey packages included a cover letter, survey, and a postage-paid, self-addressed envelope. A small gift incentive was used to facilitate the return of completed surveys. Reminder letters were mailed two weeks after the initial mail out. The structure of the entire survey included six sections dealing with program description, medical, psychological/behavioral, dietary education, exercise, and social and vocational support.

Results:

The response rate was 62% (73/118). CR programs indicated measuring a variety of outcomes to evaluate their programs. The four most common outcome areas were medications, lipid profile, stress test (GXT) results, and anthropometric measures. Most programs monitor medication compliance in some manner (82.5%) and many rely on self-reported patient compliance to medication regime (68.0%) as well as tracking all medications the patient is prescribed (48.0%). In terms of lipid profile, programs measured an average of 5.3 outcomes out of a list of 14 outcomes. The most common outcome information tracked was total cholesterol, LDL, and HDL (all 85.5%). This was followed by fasting blood sugar (77.4%). Programs tracked an average of 6.8 outcomes out of a list of 12 GXT outcomes. The most common GXT outcomes measured were initial blood pressure (85.5%), maximum heart rate (82.3%), and MET levels (80.6%). The most common anthropometric outcomes measured were resting blood pressure (97.3%), resting heart rate (90.4%), Body Mass Index (79.5%), and waist measurement (74.0%). Nearly 82% of the programs repeat outcome measures.

Conclusions:

This is the first attempt to systematically survey CR programs in Canada. A comprehensive CR program inventory may facilitate local program planning, quality improvement initiatives, and a means for potential benchmarking with comparable facilities. This information may also provide direction for future program development and expansion within the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority.

Section Description

For more information, contact Marilyn Thomas (204) 488-5854