Abstract
Background: Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a long term multifactorial rehabilitation program aimed at the secondary prevention of cardiovascular events. However, delivery of CR services is less than optimal. Aim: This study explored the perceptions of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) coordinators relating to challenges for improving the delivery of CR services. Methods: The study design used qualitative, semi-structured in-depth telephone interviews with 20 CR coordinators from NSW Australia. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematic content analysis was undertaken to identify common themes. Results: Twenty CR coordinators participated in the study. Three major themes including obstacles to delivering cardiac rehabilitation services, challenges in achieving continuity and coordination, and complexities in delivering evidence-based health care were identified. Study findings indicate that limited service capacity due to a lack of investment and planning, rurality, lack of knowledge, and communication difficulties, are major challenges that CR coordinators need to overcome to provide effective services. Conclusions: The experiences of participants provide some detailed insight into the barriers encountered in providing CR services. The main message from this study is that providing CR services is a complex process and is collectively influenced by the health care system; professional and provider issues; and program characteristics.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 37-43 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing |
Volume | 10 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Mar 1 2011 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Cardiac rehabilitation
- Challenges
- Chronic disease
- Qualitative study
- Secondary prevention
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
- Medical–Surgical
- Advanced and Specialized Nursing