title: Utilization of phase II cardiac rehabilitation in Veterans Administration patients.
abstract: Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is underutilized across the United States. Reported national average varies from 14-35% after acute myocardial infraction and 31% after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. No study to date has examined the utilization of CR in eligible veteran population. In this retrospective study, computerized veteran medical records at a single Veterans Administration (VA) hospital were screened between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2009. Patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were surveyed telephonically and asked a series of questions relating to delivery and utilization of phase II CR. Data was collected using a pre-printed questionnaire and patient responses were number coded. Utilization rate of phase II CR in veterans was noted to be 21%. Common reasons reported for underutilization of CR included time and distance problems, orthopedic- and stroke-related muscle weakness and lack of motivation. Participation in Phase II CR led to better adherence to exercise long term. Also, 65-70% of the veterans expressed interest in a tailored home based CR program. CR is underutilized in eligible veterans. Compliance could possibly be improved if the veterans were offered a tailored CR program.
authors: University of Missouri - Columbia, USA. manish9739@yahoo.com
authors: Manish
authors: M
authors: Jhawar
authors: Albert
authors: A
authors: Chan
authors: Leif
authors: L
authors: Christianson
authors: Ankit
authors: A
authors: Mehra
authors: Kul
authors: K
authors: Aggarwal
authors: Kevin
authors: K
authors: Dellsperger
authors: Anand
authors: A
authors: Chockalingam
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000072038:Cardiac Rehabilitation; D015444:Exercise; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014481:United States; D014493:United States Department of Veterans Affairs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*