Barriers to participation in a phase II cardiac rehabilitation programme.
OBJECTIVE
To identify barriers to participation in a phase II cardiac rehabilitation programme and measures that may enhance participation.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
Regional hospital, Hong Kong.


METHODS
Cardiac patients recruited for a phase I cardiac rehabilitation programme from July 2002 to January 2003.


METHODS
Reasons for not participating in a phase II cardiac rehabilitation programme.


RESULTS
Of the 193 patients recruited for a phase I cardiac rehabilitation programme, 152 (79%) patients, with a mean age of 70.3 years (standard deviation, 11.9 years), did not proceed to phase II programme. Eleven (7%) deaths occurred before commencement of phase II and 74 (49%) patients were considered physically unfit. Reasons for the latter included fractures, pain, or degenerative changes in the lower limbs (24%), and co-morbidities such as cerebrovascular accident (19%), chronic renal failure (11%), congestive heart failure (9%), and unstable angina (8%). Phase II rehabilitation was postponed until after completion of scheduled cardiac interventions in 13% of patients. Failure of physicians to arrange the pre-phase II exercise stress test as per protocol was reported in 7% of patients. Other reasons were reported: work or time conflicts (16%), non-compliance with cardiac treatment (5%), financial constraints (4%), self-exercise (3%), fear after exercise stress testing (3%), and patients returning to their original cardiologists for treatment (3%).


CONCLUSIONS
A significant (79%) proportion of patients did not proceed to a phase II cardiac rehabilitation programme for a variety of reasons. These included physical unfitness, work or time conflicts, and need to attend scheduled cardiac interventions. Further studies are required to determine how to overcome obstacles to cardiac rehabilitation.
Mak
Y M W
YM
Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, United Christian Hospital, Kwun Tong, Hong Kong.
Chan
W K
WK
Yue
C S S
CS
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006723:Hong Kong; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010045:Outpatients; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000517:prevention & control; D016312:Treatment Refusal; D014937:Work