title: Increasing patient-initiation of cardiac rehabilitation referral in female percutaneous coronary intervention patients.
abstract: Substantial health risks continue following coronary revascularization, and cardiac rehabilitation (CR) plays a large role in enhancing prognosis. However, fewer women than men are referred to and participate in CR. This study prospectively evaluates a psycho-educational intervention designed to increase patient-initiation of CR referral discussion with their physician, It was hypothesized that an educational brochure along with a motivational interview would facilitate the discussion of CR between physicians and female patients, ultimately resulting in increased referral of women to CR when compared to a control group. Eighty female percutaneous coronary intervention patients were recruited from two acute care sites in Toronto, Ontario. Eight weeks later, a second research assistant blind to condition telephoned participants to assess aftercare and CR referral processes. Results showed that patients in the experimental group more often discussed CR with a health care provider (chi2(1)=5.99, p=.01), and there was a trend toward increased referral when compared to control patients (chi2(1)=2.83, p=.09). Gaps in secondary prevention are noted, and areas for improved referral of women patients to CR are discussed.
authors.affiliation: York University, School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Toronto, ON. sgrace@yorku.ca
authors.forename: Sherry L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Grace
authors.forename: Alexandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Evindar
authors.forename: Dina
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Brooks
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Jaglal
authors.forename: Beth L
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Abramson
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Nolan
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D015906:Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D009042:Motivation; D009864:Ontario; D010174:Pamphlets; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D010358:Patient Participation / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012307:Risk Factors; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013664:Teaching Materials / Q000592:standards*; D014930:Women / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology